Lake Worth Community Guide XI 2023

MAYOR

As we begin the Spring season and soon approach the Texas days of Summer, I felt it vitally important to remind all of our citizens and visitors to remain “Weather Aware!” Awareness is key to being prepared when dangerous weather events impact our community. Stay connected with local media outlets, connect with us on social media for updates, and register for our mass communication and notification system, CodeRED. Spring and Summer are both wonderful seasons here in the great State of Texas, this is just a simple reminder to remain mindful of severe weather while having a plan in place to better protect your family.

Our teams in the city have been working diligently over the

A Letter from the Mayor

past year with a tremendous focus on future growth and development within Lake Worth. Our community will soon see many projects moving forward or in the early stages of development.

A new fire station is being planned, and it is intended to be constructed with the most recent building and life safety standards to better serve those who serve our community each day. Our Library, Senior Center, and Multipurpose Facility will begin a remodel, adding many advancements that will enhance our customer service capability.

Major infrastructure projects throughout the community remain a top priority for the city council and our leadership team. Because of this, the Azle Avenue reconstruction process has been approved and will commence in the coming months. This enhancement and reconstruction, in

coordination with Tarrant County, will bring a new divided roadway, water and wastewater lines, landscaping, and sidewalks to Azle Avenue. All of these projects are major initiatives for the City of Lake Worth, and I, along with all our council members, are tremendously proud of the work that has been done to make these large-scale projects a reality for our community.

Future opportunities are abundant for the great City of Lake Worth. I’d be remiss if I failed to mention my enduring heartfelt gratitude to all those who serve this wonderful community, to their families, and their continued efforts in making this city one of the best communities in Texas. For this, I truly thank you!

Sincerely,

Mayor Walter Bowen

community PROFILE

Slow down, relax, unplug, and experience the beauty and charm of Lake Worth, Texas. Located in Northwest Tarrant County, the city is home to one of the most beautiful lakes in Texas – Lake Worth. The 2010 US Census population for the city was 4,584; Texas Municipal League (TML) estimates the current population as 4,710. The city covers approximately 2.5 square miles.

Lake Worth was built in 1914 as a reservoir and for recreation. The property is owned by the City of Fort Worth, while the Tarrant Regional Water District controls the reservoir’s water rights.

The City was incorporated on February 19, 1949, and first adopted its Home Rule Charter in 1965. The Home Rule Charter was amended in 1968, 2003, 2008 and most recently in 2019.

Mayor/City Council City Administration Helpful Numbers

The City operates under a Council/ Manager form of government with a City Council comprised of the Mayor and seven Council members. The term of office is two years with the terms of the Mayor and three Council members expiring in odd-numbered years and the terms of the other four Council members expiring in even-numbered years. The City Manager is the chief administrative officer for the city.

The Administration Department is responsible for overseeing the management of day-to-day operations of the city including building permits, code compliance, inspections, communications, and municipal court. The Administration Department is comprised of the City Manager, Assistant City Manager/Director of Finance, City Secretary, and Human Resources.

Did You Know? City Council Meetings

The City Council meets regularly on the third Tuesday of the month. Meetings are usually at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers located at 3805 Adam Grubb.

The Lake Worth Museum has the high school year books from the 1940’s and up! Make it a point to visit and take a look at the school history that is made available to all residents.

Council Members

WALTER BOWEN

Mayor wbowen@lakeworthtxcc.org

JIM SMITH

Council Member, Place 1 jsmith@lakeworthtxcc.org

GEOFFREY WHITE

Council Member, Place 2 gwhite@lakeworthtxcc.org

SUE WENGER

Mayor Pro Tem, Place 3 swenger@lakeworthtxcc.org

government

Federal

Lake Worth is located in the 12th Federal Congressional District served by U.S. Congresswoman Kay Granger, who has an office in Fort Worth. The state is represented by Senator Ted Cruz and Senator John Cornyn.

• Congresswoman Kay Granger 817.338.0909 kaygranger.house.gov

• Senator John Cornyn N. Texas Office 972.239.1310 cornyn.senate.gov

• Senator Ted Cruz N. Texas Office 142.599.8749 cruz.senate.gov

COY PENNINGTON

Mayor Pro Te, Place 4 cpennington@ lakeworthtxcc.org

SHERRIE KUBALA-WATKINS

Council Member, Place 5 swatkins@lakeworthtxcc.org

GARY STUARD

Council Member, Place 6 gstuard@lakeworthtxcc.org

JERRY COX

Council Member, Place 7 jcox@lakeworthtxcc.org

City Staff Members State

Lake Worth is represented by Senate District 9, currently held by Senator Kelly Hancock who has an office in Fort Worth. The Texas State Representative for Lake Worth is representative Charlie Geren. (District 99)

• Senator Kelly Hancock 817.332.1131 hancock.senate.state.tx.us

• Rep Charlie Geren 817.738.8333 charliegeren.com

STACEY ALMOND City Manager 817.237.1211 salmond@lakeworthtx.org

DEBBIE WHITLEY

Assistant City Manager/ Director of Finance

817.237.1211 ext. 105 dwhitley@lakeworthtx.org

HOLLY FIMBRES City Secretary 817.237.1211 ext. 105 hfimbres@lakeworthtx.org

MIKE CHRISTENSON Public Works Director 817.237.1211 ext. 202 mchistenson@lakeworthtx.org

BARRY BARBER

Director of Building Development 817.237.1211 ext. 114 bbarber@lakeworthtx.org

JT MANOUSHAGIAN

Chief of Police 817.237.1211 ext. 301 jmanoushagian@lakeworthtx.org

RYAN ARTHUR Fire Chief 817.237.1211 ext. 401 rarthur@lakeworthtx.org

LARA STROTHER Director of Library & Community Services 817.237.1211 ext. 501 lstrother@lakeworthtx.org

County

Lake Worth is located within Tarrant County and is in Precinct 4 which is represented by Tarrant County Commissioner Manny Ramirez.

• Commissioner Manny Ramirez 817.237.4400

mrramirez@tarrantcountytx.gov

municipal COURT

The Lake Worth Municipal Court is committed to assisting and informing defendants of their rights, responsibilities and options, with the highest level of professionalism and courtesy, to ensure fair, impartial & efficient handling oftheir citations.

The Lake Worth Municipal Court is a Court of Record. Cases filed with the Court include traffic violations, Class C misdemeanors, violations of City ordinances, and parking violations that are punishable by fine only.

We are a Safe Harbor Court, which means that anyone may appear in court with an identification at any time to resolve their outstanding cases without the fear of being arrested for Lake Worth Municipal Court warrants.

In March, we participated in a warrant resolution drive along with the Lake Worth Police Department and Texas Marshals Association,

which provided an opportunity for eligible individuals with outstanding Lake Worth Municipal Court warrants to have their warrant fine amount reduced. We were able to resolve 86 warrants as of March 25, 2022.

We continue to encourage individuals to contact the court to resolve their outstanding citations and take advantage of payment options available or set your cases for a future court date to speak with the. Prosecutor or Judge. If you do not have the means to pay you may request a hearing with the Judge to determine whether you are indigent or discuss alternative means to satisfy the judgment.

Precinct 4 Constable

Jason “Scott” Bedford • Ste. 102 817.237.4410

Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Christopher Gregory • Ste. 201 817.238.4425

County Clerk Satellite Office* Mary Louise Garcia • Ste. 202 817.238.4420

The court commits to providing customer service while administering fair, efficient and prompt justice. Clerks are available for questions or explanation of options, but clerks cannot give legal advice or recommendations.

MUNICIPAL COURT

3805 Adam Grubb

Lake Worth, TX 76135

Phone: 817.255.7910

www.lakeworthtx.org

Hours: Mon- Fri 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

NORTHWEST SUB-COURTHOUSE

6713 Telephone Rd.

Lake Worth, TX 76135

Precinct 4 Commissioner

Manny Ramirez • Ste. 301 817.237.4400

*Please note that Satellite Offices may have limited services.

Tax Assessor/Collector Satellite Office*

Wendy Burgess • Ste. 101 817.238.4435

*Please note that Satellite Offices may have limited services.

LINDA MELLO Municipal Court Director/ Customer Service Sup. 817.237.1211 ext. 116 lmello@lakeworthtx.org

LISA SHELLEY

Municipal Court Clerk Community Services 817.237.1211 ext. 117

lcourt@lakeworthtx.org

WILLIAM “BILL” LANE | Presiding Judge

JIM MINTER & RENE CULP | Magistrate

MAIN COURTHOUSE NUMBER 817.238.4425

Fire DEPARTMENT

Celebrates 75 years of service in 2023!

The Lake Worth Fire Department Celebrates 75 years of Service in 2023! City of Lake Worth, Lake Worth Village, and Indian Oaks are all current and previous names of one of the best cities in Texas, with a fire department to match! The Lake Worth Fire Department is rich in history and culture, making it one of the greatest fire response organizations in the State. To commemorate their service, the fire department will celebrate a tremendous milestone in its history. In 2023, the LWFD will celebrate 75 years of service to the community!

First established in 1948, the Lake Worth Fire Department has grown into a full-time, fully staffed, all-hazards emergency response organization providing service to the community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Though officially recognized as a fire department in 1955, the Lake Worth Fire Brigade was formed in early 1948 following calls for additional service capability in the Tarrant County area. The department has its roots in the larger Tarrant County area, along with the neighboring communities of Fort Worth, River Oaks, and Sansom Park. Believe it or not, the fire station located on Fire Hall Drive was first known as a community gathering spot for local citizens to congregate to discuss city matters. The local volunteer fire department also organized and responded from this location. A very large outdoor siren, also known as “Big Bertha” by folks in the community, would summon firefighters to the station when services were needed. This is drastically different compared to how firefighters are notified today. “Advancing technology allows

“Advancing technology allows firefighters to respond more quickly, safely, and efficiently to help those in need,” said Fire Chief Ryan Arthur

firefighters to respond more quickly, safely, and efficiently to help those in need,” said Fire Chief Ryan Arthur. Chief Arthur mentioned, “Though technology has played a significant role in how the department operates today, we hold true to our rich history and culture by learning from those who have paved the way for us today, and our 75 th anniversary will be an excellent opportunity for us to do just that.” The department is currently planning an official event to celebrate its 75 th anniversary. More details can be found on their website at lakeworthtx.org/fire-department .

Fire Station Development Moving Forward

Anew Lake Worth Fire Station 10 will soon be located in the 6600 block of Charbonneau Road! Following many months of evaluation, the sites located off Charbonneau Road offer

the best options when it comes to emergency access throughout the city. The initial site feasibility study began in September of 2021 and ended with the new location being adopted as the future fire station location. Over the past 18+ months, the City of Lake Worth has worked with EIKON Consulting to develop the future home of the LWFD! Fire Chief Ryan Arthur said, “Located in the 6200 block of Charbonneau Road (near Lake Worth Blvd.), this new facility will support our ever-enhancing emergency response capabilities, increased capabilities with emergency management and community outreach, and will become a premier building for our residents, visitors, and customers.”

The original fire station was constructed in the 1940s with several remodels taking place over the past

decade. Since the original design, the fire department has expanded significantly to provide the highest level of service and protection to our customers, said Fire Chief Ryan Arthur. We’ve continued to expand and conform to the requirements and needs of those same customers. With growth comes a need for a larger facility to safely house fire personnel. The existing fire station falls short in meeting today’s life safety and fire code regulations putting personnel at risk of serious injury or worse.

Following some preliminary reviews related to the fire station study, EIKON made recommendations and presented options for the city

to evaluate moving forward. Brad Isbell from Eikon wrote, “There are several challenges with the existing facility and location.” The original apparatus bays have height limitations for the door openings and the existing second floor structure prevents additional space to be added which would allow for the increase in new equipment height and door openings. The addition of vehicular exhaust systems has added to the restriction in height currently. The secondfloor stairway and access are most likely not compliant

with currently adopted codes. This applies to the majority of the facility as well. In addition, the separation of contamination zones is not maximized with the current facility. It is important for the safety and health of first responders to minimize exposure from dirty to clean spaces. Due to the growth of the Department, several offices have been converted to bunks and spaces have been repurposed as necessary for equipment or storage. Additionally, areas in the apparatus bays have been occupied with hose or equipment storage. While every space is currently being utilized to the maximum potential, the importance of separation of contaminants, physical

preparedness corner

and mental health of the responders, and the increased functionality of the space is not being utilized to the fullest.

The city has started the process of evaluating funding options for the replacement facility, to include possible grant funding. Development processes and future bidding options are currently being worked on with an overall goal of full project completion within the next 2 to 3 years. For more information related to the new fire station, please contact Fire Chief Ryan Arthur at (817)255-7951 or via email at lwfire@lakeworthtx.org.

SEVERE WEATHER READY

As we approach the severe weather season, the City of Lake Worth would like to emphasize the importance of being Severe Weather Ready. The months of March, April, and May have historically been cited as being most notable for severe weather outbreaks. Because of this, we encourage everyone to start preparing now. Severe weather can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your

home. Begin the preparedness process by following some of these general guidelines. More detailed information is available from the Lake Worth Fire Department, Tarrant County Office of Emergency Management, or from the local chapter of the American Red Cross. Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least three days. Assemble these supplies in a Disaster Supplies Kit. Store the Disaster Kit in easy to carry containers such as backpacks or duffel bags.

DISASTER SUPPLY KIT

Try and include the following:

• A three-day supply of water (one gallon per family member per day).

• Three days’ worth of nonperishable food (replace the food every six months).

• One change of clothing and footwear per family member.

• One blanket or sleeping bag per family member.

• A first aid kit that includes your family’s prescription medications.

• Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.

• An extra set of car keys.

• A credit card, cash, or traveler’s checks.

• Sanitation supplies.

• Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.

• An extra pair of eyeglasses.

Create and practice an “Emergency Plan” with your family. Talk about the most common severe weather events that could occur in our area. These include flooding, hail, and sometimes tornadoes. Pick a wellknown meeting place so everyone in your family can find each other after an unfortunate event occurs. And don’t forget your pets! Include plans on how to take care of pets during an emergency. Also, citizens and business owners are encouraged to sign up for CodeRed through the City of Lake Worth. CodeRed is the emergency notification system currently being used by the city to alert people of impending danger and threats from severe weather. For more information, please contact the fire department at (817)237-7461 or visit the city website at: www.lakeworthtx.org/fire-department/pages/emergency-management

Knowing what to do when severe weather strikes will help you, your family, and our community. This season, the City of Lake Worth wants everyone to be Severe Weather Ready!

Closing the Feedback Loop LAKE WORTH PD

MEET THE TEAM

─By Chief J.T Manoushagian

To improve as a police department, it is important for us to know how we are doing. Gathering feedback is vital because it helps us see our blind spots. Using new, innovative technology, the Lake Worth Police Department is revolutionizing how we solicit and receive feedback from our community. This article highlights two of the newest ways we are closing the feedback loop and ensuring the delivery of excellent service and protection to the citizens of Lake Worth and beyond.

Using a modern communication tool called PowerEngage, we are able to keep citizens informed, measure satisfaction, and boost morale all with one solution. We understand that calling the police can be nerve-racking, so we use this tool to reduce anxiety by providing callers with pre-arrival instructions, case numbers, and follow-up information. Next, we receive direct feedback from citizens and survey their satisfaction using carefully crafted text messages. Once all feedback is gathered, we assess overall citizen satisfaction and share positive feedback with members of our team in a weekly email. Citizen engagement and feedback are crucial for our continued success as a police department, and this modern solution helps us close the feedback loop.

Whether feedback is positive or negative, we need to know. The ability to easily make formal commendations and complaints is an important part of closing the feedback loop. That is why we have made providing formal feedback easier than ever before. Using our new public feedback portal, commendations and complaints can now be made online. The online portal provides greater access to those who are not from the Lake Worth area and provides citizens the ability to track their commendations or complaint all the way through the administrative process. We take great pride in upholding high standards of service and conduct, and this

Officer Marque Jones

Officer Kelsey Jaronski

Sergeant Matt Rietfors

Officer Craig Williams

The dispatch person was amazing, went above and beyond and kept reminding me to be calm, even though I was terrified.

─Christiana Chavez

feedback tool helps ensure that the Lake Worth Police Department remains accessible, transparent, and accountable. Written commendations and complaints are still accepted in person and through the mail, and copies are available in the lobby of the police department and on our website.

certification is a formal mechanism for public safety agencies to certify that their training programs meet the APCO American National Standards (ANS). The standard specifies the minimum training requirements for operational personnel assigned to any public safety communications center.

The call taker was really great, patient, and spoke clearly, becuase of her tone and manner it helped me stay calm while I was sharing the situation of the accident I witnessed.

─Katelynn Riley

The voluntary certification process took more than a year to complete and will be valid for a period of three years. After three years, the department will be required to show continued compliance with APCO International’s P33 Program standards to receive recertification.

LWPD Communications Center Receives National Certification

In November 2022, the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International announced that the Lake Worth Police Department’s Communications Center would be awarded the Project 33® (P33) Agency Training Program Certification.

With its selection, the Lake Worth Police Department becomes the fourth communications center in the State of Texas and the 92nd in the United States to earn the prestigious APCO International Agency Training Program Certification designation.

The Agency Training Program

“I am overwhelmed with emotion and pride for the Lake Worth Police Department’s communication center and its selection as a recipient of the APCO P33 Training Program Certification.”, said Sherry Decker, Executive Director of the Tarrant County 9- 1-1 District. “This certification highlights the Lake Worth Police Department’s continued expectation for excellent service and training requirements for both new and veteran Public Safety Telecommunicators.”

“Once again, the men and women of the Lake Worth Police Department have demonstrated their commitment to ensuring that every citizen and visitor in Lake Worth receives the highest level of service possible.”, said Lake Worth Police Chief J.T. Manoushagian. “As a former telecommunicator myself, I fully understand the significance of this certification and I am elated for our Communication Center team.”

The officer who arrived first was both kind and helpful. Another officer came as well, and both made sure that we were in a safe location to wait for the tow truck before they left the scene

─Robert Sparks, Sean Ferguson

Formal recognition and acceptance of the Agency Training Program Certification will take place at APCO’s 89th Annual Conference and Expo in Nashville, TN, in August of 2023.

Collaborative Effort MEDSTAR

A Project Designed to Enhance Patient Outcomes & Make EMS Responses Safer

MedStar, in a collaborative effort with fire and police departments that respond to EMS calls as part of the Metropolitan Area EMS Authority service area, has always worked diligently to enhance patient outcomes and overall performance while providing exceptional customer service to the communities they all serve. The Goal: Shorten response times to patients with life-threatening medical conditions while helping assure the public and responder safety during responses to other medical calls.

Last year, MedStar responded to over 180,000 calls. Many of these calls also were responded to by medical first response agencies from the member cities, such as Lake Worth, that are part of the Metropolitan Area EMS Authority. The average ambulance response time to high-priority 911 calls last year was 8 minutes and 31 seconds. For some types of medical responses, every second counts, such as calls for a patient whose heart has stopped beating (cardiac arrest) or who has suffered life-threatening trauma.

National studies have found that an emergency medical vehicle responding with lights and siren (often referred to as a “HOT” operation) is almost twice as likely to be involved in a crash, and for every emergency medical vehicle crash, there are four “wake-effect” crashes (crashes

MOBILE HEAL THCARE

involving vehicles moving out of the way of an emergency medical vehicle).

MedStar’s 911 communications center is one of only 131 dispatch centers in the country that is an Accredited Center of Excellence (ACE) for Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch. Using an internationally developed, locally approved process of call triage, the EMD system prioritizes responses based on the information obtained by certified emergency medical dispatchers during the 911 call-taking process. Historically, calls are prioritized into one of three response priorities:

• Priority 1: Emergent, Potentially Life-Threatening Emergency

• Priority 2: Emergent, Not Potentially Life-Threatening

• Priority 3: Non-Emergent

MedStar responds to Priority 1 and Priority 2 calls “HOT”, and these calls typically receive a medical first response. Priority 3 calls are responded to without lights and sirens (COLD), and often do not receive a medical first response. However, for the City of Lake Worth, their fire department and medical first response team respond to all three priorities in a combined response effort with MedStar.

For over a year, a special Task Force comprised of representatives of medical first response agencies (including Lake Worth), the Office of the Medical Director, the University of North Texas Health Science Center, JPS, the Fort Worth City Manager’s Office, and MedStar, have been working on a plan to simultaneously help shorten response times to the most critical patients, while at the same time, reduce the frequency of HOT responses to make responses safer for the public, and responding personnel.

The Task Force reviewed an analysis by the Office of the Medical Director of actual patient care data from nearly 400,000 MedStar responses over the past three years. The analysis determined which types of medical responses have the highest incidence of patients receiving Potentially Life Saving Medical Interventions (PLSI) and which types of calls resulted in patient conditions that were not time sensitive. This analysis also determined that 74% of the EMS responses over the past three years received a HOT response.

Sifting through this data, the Office of the Medical Director determined that 2% of the responses resulted in patients receiving a PLSI, and 57% of the responses were for patients not suffering a time-sensitive medical emergency.

The Task Force feels the best way to reduce response times for the most critical calls and reduce the number of HOT responses is to re-prioritize responses from three to eight response priorities. This re-prioritization process helps assure the shortest response time possible for time-sensitive emergencies but also reduces the frequency of HOT responses from 74% of EMS calls to 43% of EMS calls.

This effort is also consistent with a recently adopted goal by the National Emergency Medical Services Quality Alliance to reduce HOT responses to EMS calls to 30% of all responses. This goal was established in response to a joint position statement by 14 national EMS, Fire, and physician associations highlighting the risks of HOT EMS responses to the public and encouraging communities to critically evaluate which types of EMS calls are for patients in which the potential benefit to the patient’s outcome of the HOT response may be worth the risk of injury to the public and responders. 2

This re-prioritization plan uses a patient-centric, data-driven methodology to prioritize and objectively match the acuity of a 911 caller’s medical complaint with the most appropriate resources with the right patient at the right time. In other words, the goal is to provide the fastest, most efficient emergency medical response to the sickest patients. Ryan Arthur, Fire Chief of the Lake Worth Fire Department, agrees with the program and the processes involved. Chief Arthur mentioned, “The overall process of reevaluating this program required a tremendous amount of work from all team members involved, especially those from MedStar and the Office of the Medical Director.” “As mentioned previously, the goal is to provide exceptional care with the right amount of resources at the right time while doing so safely.”

Utilizing this data-driven approach to prioritizing emergency calls helps assure that the sickest patients are given the highest priority, receiving the appropriate resources in the shortest amount of time while allowing a more tailored response for the needs of

patients in other response priorities to help assure safer response operations for the public and responding personnel.

Low-Income Household WATER ASSISTANCE Program

The City of Lake Worth has partnered with the City of Fort Worth Community Action Partners to provide a water assistance program to economically disadvantaged families and disabled and elderly individuals.

For eligibility requirements and to apply, applicants need to complete zan application online or by mail. You may apply online at www.fortworthtexas.gov or pick up a paper application from our Utility Billing Clerk in the office. For non-Lake Worth residents, please contact your utility provider to see if they are participating. An intake specialist will contact you once your application is received. If you need to check the status of your application or a follow-up question.

• Call 817-392-5795 (mailed application)

• Call 817-392-2276 (online application)

• CAPonline@FortWorthTexas.gov (Email)

• Call 817.255.7900 for The City of Lake Worth Utility Billing

Library & SENIOR CENTER

An

Open Letter to Our Seniors:

Change is coming! With the highly anticipated building remodel starting soon, we are taking a close look at our schedule. As always, our number one goal is to provide fun and engaging activities for our seniors while encouraging fellowship and community. We are grateful for the opportunity to stay open during the process, but the building remodel presents a challenge for us: how do we continue to engage our seniors with the space available? Working together with the library and the Lake Worth Museum, we have built a temporary schedule to accommodate as many programs as we can. Some of your favorite programs may not be available during this period, and we understand the disappointment that will come with these changes. We want to remind you that these changes are temporary, and once the remodel is complete, we fully intend to return to a robust activity center. We are asking for your patience during this time – we are just as excited as you for this project to be complete!

We’d like to share a snippet of what we have in mind for you all while we await the completion of this project. With the remodel set to begin during the spring months, it is our plan to add in some outdoor programming, including a walking club, cookouts, exercise classes, and more. Day trips are also a great option for us, and we think a trip to Winstar may be in the works!

This process will be a journey. Know that when you return to the center, you will be coming into an updated, brighter, and more accessible building and that the end will be worth the wait!

Our best, Courtney & Lorie

Carter BloodCare Mobile Drive Dates

(9am to 1pm) at 7005 Charbonneau:

Tuesday, June 20

Tuesday, September 19

Tuesday, December 12

Library Renovation News

You may have heard; your library is going to be changing! An eightmonth renovation project at the Mary Lou Reddick Public Library’s 13-year-old facility is expected to start at the first of April. These coming changes reflect the long-term goals to best serve our community.

This renovation will impact the use of the library. The construction will be in two phases, and the Library is about to enter phase one! The Library will be closed March 27-April 1 to prepare our temporary space for use starting April 3.

A collection of our “most wanted” books, including bestsellers and other new books, adult fiction, large print fiction, children’s picture books, easy readers, and juvenile fiction, will be available for browsing and check out from the MultiPurpose Rooms at 7005 Charbonneau. (These are the rooms located in-between the library and the senior center)

What Library services and resources WILL be available throughout the renovation?

Computer use in a limited capacity.

Full access to our electronic resources, including ebooks, audiobooks, digital magazines, and more.

Preschool Storytime, Tail Waggin Tutors, and Second Thursday Book Club will continue at their normally scheduled times. In addition, a weekly take-home craft will be made available for pick-up.

The Summer Reading Program will run from June 1 – July 29. Reading logs will be available for pickup starting on June 1st. The library will offer outdoor programming for children during this time.

A collection of our “most wanted” books will be available for checkout throughout the renovation.

Hours of operation during the renovation: Tuesday andThursday: 9am - 5pm Wednesday and Friday: 9am - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 1pm

What to expect when the Library fully reopens?

The new and improved library will feature a fully redesigned children’s area, a more user-friendly circulation desk, additional programming, study, and meeting space, new paint, flooring, and furniture, improved lighting, and more.

Library online resources are ALWAYS OPEN!

Use your Mary Lou Reddick Public Library card to access electronic books, audiobooks, and magazines that you can check out to use on your computer or portable device.

• North Texas Libraries on the Go – use the LIBBY APP to download ebooks, audiobooks and magazines. There are never overdue books or late fees; titles automatically return to the library after 14 days.

• TexShare Databases – access legal forms, academic journals, medical resources, history & genealogy resources, business information, homework help, and more. All are available 24/7 with your library card.

• Learning Express Library – provides a comprehensive selection of academic and career-related resources, including math, reading & writing tutorials, career test preparation, computer

and popular software instruction, GED preparation, and more.

Library Programming

Preschool Storytime is every Wednesday at 10:30am. Join us in person each week for stories, songs, and a craft!

Tail Waggin’ Tutors is the second Wednesday of every month at 4:00pm. Read to our certified therapy dog, Bane. Upcoming dates: April 12, May 10, June 14, July 12 & August 9.

Second Thursday Book Club is held every second Thursday of the month at Noon.

April 13 – Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

May 11 – The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict

June 8 – Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz

July 13 – A Map for the Missing by Belinda Huijuan Tang

August 10 – The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid Weekly On-The-Go Craft Kits contain all the supplies needed for you to make something fun at home. We have brand new kits every week. Pickup while supplies last.

The Summer Reading Program will run from June 1st through July 29th. Pick up your reading logs beginning on June 1. Earn prizes for the number of books you read this summer.

Summer Outdoor Programming

– bring your own chairs or blankets and join us outside for family programs this summer at the library.

June 8 at 10:00am – Window to the Wild Live Bird Program

June 22 at 10:00am – All About Bees

July 27 at 10:00am –Outdoor Bubble Show

**Be sure to keep an eye on the library’s website and Facebook page for programming updates. We will be adding some additional outdoor programs!**

Adam LANTER

Adam Lanter is the new Budget Analyst/Procurement Specialist with the city of Lake Worth. Adam is originally from Swansea, Illinois, just across the river from St. Louis, but has spent the past seven years in Springfield, Missouri. Adam earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. Adam is very excited to join the team in Lake Worth. Outside of work, Adam enjoys going to the gym, shooting pool and throwing darts, and taking care of his dog, Hudson. Adam also enjoys watching St. Louis Blues and St. Louis Cardinals games.

B U Y I N G O R

S E L L I N G A H O M E ?

B u y i n g o r s e l l i n g a h o m e c a n b e a s t r e s s f u l p r o c e s s i f y o u d o n ' t h a v e t h e r i g h t r e a l e s t a t e a g e n t

W i t h 1 6 y e a r s o f e x p e r i e n c e , y o u c a n r e l y o n u s t o g e t y o u t h e b e s t p o s s i b l e r e s u l t s

A s k a b o u t o u r m o n e y - s a v i n g T e x a s H e r o H o m e s P r o g r a m f o r o u r M i l i t a r y , P o l i c e ,

F i r e f i g h t e r s , N u r s e s a n d T e a c h e r s ! R e g i s t e r a t w w w . T e x a s H e r o H o m e s . c o m

W e c a n a l s o h e l p w i t h L u x u r y H o m e s , B a n k r u p t c y , D i v o r c e , P r o b a t e , N e w C o n s t r u c t i o n , F i r s t T i m e

H o m e B u y e r s , M i l i t a r y R e l o c a t i o n s , O n e - M o v e B u y & S e l l a n d

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HAPPY 200TH BIRTHDAY, TEXAS RANGERS!

by Diane Ciarloni

Everyone knows the age-old quip that says, “Texas is a state of mind.” It’s a statement that carries validity, but there’s one question that’s seldom raised.

Specifically, it’s a state of mind in whose minds? Certainly, it applies to Texas natives, as well as some transplants. It also applies to people who’ve never set foot on Texas soil. The mystique enveloping the state is so thick that it’s even found a place in foreign countries.

Proof of that statement came into full view a few years ago when citizens from foreign lands (especially Japan and Germany) paid significant bucks to visit Texas “ranches” where they could dress up as their favorite Old West personalities (maybe Billy the Kid or

Wyatt Earp), ride horses, and strap a six-shooter to their thigh. (Seriously.)

The fascination with Texas was, and still is, a blend of fact and fiction laced with legends and heart-pounding stories of justice prevailing over lawlessness. And, standing head and shoulders over everyone else was, and still is, the Texas Rangers.

It was Stephen F. Austin, the “Father of Texas,” who birthed the Rangers in 1823 with ten men. He recruited them to protect the settlers who began arriving and colonizing even before Texas claimed statehood in 1845. They were paid from Austin’s personal pocket.

The developmental history of the Texas Rangers was as complex and tumultuous as the unwinding of the state itself. It

was, after all, the wild west. Laws were slowly unfolding. There was more gray area than there were defined lines, and there were times when too much was left to interpretation. As a result, the Texas Rangers are still quietly haunted by some dark days of racial and social injustice.

The official kick-off for the year-long celebration marking the Rangers’ 200th birthday began January 13, 2023, at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. Russell Molina, who was named Chairman of the Bicentennial festivities, has invested large portions of his heart and soul into the planning and execution of the event-filled twelve months.

“We laid our plans around four main goals,” Molina said. “First is

| photos courtesy of Texas Rangers

a commemoration of the 200 years of service to Texas and its residents. The second is to educate the public about modern Rangers. Many people don’t realize the Rangers come under the Department of Public Safety (DPS) which was established in 1935 and they must serve first as a DPS Trooper before applying to become a Ranger.

“Traveling across the state and building awareness about the various divisions of DPS is third. The fourth goal is to raise funds to support projects within the DPS.”

Currently, 166 men and women serve as Texas Rangers across the state’s 254 counties.

Molina is passionate about the Rangers’ contributions to Texas, but he does not shy away from admitting there was a “bad and downright ugly” period. He faces the 1918 Porviner massacre when fifteen unarmed Mexican boys and men were killed. He also addresses allegations that Rangers supported white supremacy.

“Unacceptable behaviors often happen during the development of almost any organization,” he said. “My question is, is it appropriate to judge people in the past by the moral standards of our own time, especially when we’re discussing an organization that has done so much good over 200 years?”

Some of the Texas Rangers’ “firsts” include the development of the Colt Walker pistol in the 1800s, the first use of forensics in Texas in 1891 to convict a murderer, the state’s first car chase in 1910, one of the first law enforcement agencies to use aerial surveillance in 1922, and use of female undercover Petticoat Rangers to identify illegal gambling operations in the 1930s.

Early Rangers earned $1.25 daily plus $5.00 monthly for food and supplies. The men moved over the prairies as lightly as Indians. They provided their own horses, tack, ammunition, rifle, pistol, and a knife.

Today’s Rangers investigate many of the state’s most serious crimes. Their primary intent is the same as their predecessors of 200 years ago – to protect their family, friends, and fellow citizens from harm.

To join the birthday party, check www.TexasRanger2023.org for events and general information

WORKS

Public Works Projects

The city’s contractor has completed the rehab of water and sewer lines on Pueblo Trail. Atmos has mobilized and is currently rehabbing gas lines in the area. As Atoms completes a section, the Street Department will replace the curb and gutter, followed by an asphalt overlay. We anticipate this project will be completed in September of 2023. We’d like to thank Commissioner Ramirez for supporting our local road projects; Tarrant County is an amazing partner!

Also, this spring, the city will start several new projects. City contractors will begin replacing the old 2” waterline being improved by 1,500 feet of 6” waterline on Apache Trail. Once the water project is complete, city crews will start the rehab of the curb and cutter and new asphalt overlay along this same portion of Apache Trail. The same contractor will also be completed 300 feet of new sewer line along Edgemere Drive.

The City Council recently approved an emergency repair for 1,400 feet of sanitary sewer line along Longhorn Trail. This project will start in the next month and is expected to be completed in 180 days.

The city of Fort Worth has started the rehab of the Comanche Creek low water crossing. The project should be completed by the Fall of 2024. This project will be a great improvement for the residents in this area and provide for an improved, safer crossing.

Lastly, we’re so lucky to have a fantastic Public Works team! They work day and night to keep your streets, water, sewer, and parks in tip-top shape! We added a few new members to the team- Glenn Power, Allyn Eudy, and Dean Chandler. Welcome…we’re excited to have you!

Azle Avenue Reconstruction & Utilities Project

What is the project? Upon completion, this project will improve the road condition from a fivelane undivided to a six-lane divided to conform with the MTP, water and sewer infrastructure upgrades to meet the cities Master Water and Sewer Plans, curb and gutter, and sidewalks to facilitate increased pedestrian traffic. These items are all directly related and necessary for roadway improvements.

What are Azle Avenue’s current conditions?

Azle Avenue is currently a fivelane undivided facility (two-way left turn lane) with a posted speed of 35 mph. To the west, Azle Avenue provides access to Lake Worth Boulevard (SH 199), and to the east,

it provides access to Boat Club Road and IH 820. The City of Lake Worth Master Thoroughfare Plan (MTP) identifies Azle Avenue as a Major Thoroughfare and, as such, is not built out to the ultimate configuration (six-lane divided).

Azle Avenue currently carries a high volume of daily commuter traffic due to its connectivity to both IH 820 and SH 199. In addition, there is a large commercial corridor and single-family residential homes in the area.

North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTGOC) classifies State Highway 199 and FM 1220 - Boat Club Road as Regionally Significant Arterials. Azle Avenue is at the intersection of these two (2) major arterials and requires attention to relieve future congestion. SH 199

is identified to be a six (6) lane Freeway, 4/6 Frontage Road, and FM 1220, BCR a six (6) lane road by the year 2037. If left in its current condition, the remaining city portion of Azle Avenue will not be able to support continued significant increases in traffic and will create additional congestion.

PROGRAM

How does Azle Avenue meet the program goals?

from 26 municipalities, which reflected a strong need for transportation improvements.

Improve Mobility

Installation of sidewalks will improve pedestrian mobility. Adding capacity by providing additional lanes in each direction to include dedicated turn lanes.

To assist with selection, the Commissioners Court appointed members to a Project Evaluation Committee (PEC), and over several months, the PEC reviewed project submittals and developed a prioritized list of projects for recommendation to the Commissioners Court. On August 3, 2021, the Commissioners Court accepted the PEC recommendation list, which included at least one (1) project from each of the 26 municipalities. The first allocations of funding and Interlocal Agreements are anticipated in the Summer of 2022.

Mobility Improvements

Installation of raised medians providing access control which will increase roadway capacity, reduce travel times

Azle Avenue Reconstruction and Utilities project was approved for the city of Lake Worth. This project has 80% of plans completed for the water and sewer infrastructure but no plans completed for street reconstruction. The proposed IPO 2022-02 will provide professional services associated with the final design of the reconstruction of approximately 5,000 linear feet of Azle Ave from SH 199 to Boat Club Road.

What is the cost of the Azle Avenue Project?

System Connectivity

Azle Avenue improvements directly affect connections to Boat Club Road to the North, IH 820 to the east, and

Sidewalks increase pedestrian safety in the corridor. There are no sidewalks on Azle Avenue.

Construction Cost - Street, Curb, Gutter $4,300,000

Construction Cost - Utilities (Water, Sewer, Stormwater) $1,300,000

Design $840,000

Contingency (20%) $1,300,000

Safety

Enhancements

Raised medians control access and reduce conflict points in the high accident areas.

Roadway improvements and divided raised median will mitigate high accident areas

What is the background of the Azle Avenue Project?

Tarrant County initiated efforts to pursue a Transportation Bond Program (TBP) for voter consideration in November 2021. As part of this effort, Tarrant County requested project submittals from municipalities across the county for consideration in the "Call for Projects" funding category. The County received 196 submittals

Inflation (4%) $4,100,000

Subtotal (Eligible for Tarrant County) $4,100,000

Total: $4,100,000

**Note: These are estimated costs. The total cost could rise based upon material costs.

What is the current stage of the Azle Avenue Project?

• Azle Avenue Reconstruction and Utilities project is currently in the design phase. The plans for the project are 60% complete, and anticipate 90% plans to be complete by January 2023.

• This project is expected to be bid in Summer/Fall 2023.

• Estimated construction time is 18 months.

Lake Worth ISD

The Bullfrog Community Welcomes New Students and Teachers for 2023-24 School Year.

Just minutes from downtown Fort Worth, Lake Worth ISD is located within a close-knit community and is the home of the Bullfrogs.

Lake Worth ISD serves over 3,400 students daily at six campuses in the cities of Lake Worth and Fort Worth.

Be a part of a small district and community that is like family as everyone knows everyone and loves its Bullfrogs. The community is supportive in what the district does to help students succeed every day.

Adrian Villalobos wanted to pay it forward to the next generation after he graduated from Lake Worth High School (LWHS) and is now teaching band at Lucyle Collins Middle School (LCMS) and the high school.

“I was able to succeed and want my students to have that same taste of success I had while attending school in Lake Worth ISD,” he said. “I tell them to take what challenges they have in front of them and keep moving forward.”

Lake Worth ISD is a place where new students and teachers want to be because the support systems in the district are strong. From veteran teachers to strong curriculum programs, the community can see the potential, support, and excitement as it’s a welcoming place for all.

“The relationships between my coworkers and I is amazing because

I never feel like a number,” said Carly Yochim, LCMS 6th grade math teacher. “The administration is always there when we have questions and are very helpful as they continue to support us.”

Students have many opportunities to engage in various activities while on campus such as athletics, band, choir, Career and Technical Education classes, UIL academics at the elementary and secondary level, and more.

our teachers are worth it; and our families are worth it.”

ADDITIONAL PERKS

LWISD

EMPLOYEES

• A $50,000 life insurance policy is offered to all employees at no cost through OneAmerica Insurance.

• Referral Incentive Stipend program up to $500 per referral of a new employee.

Effie Morris Early Learning Academy is also accepting pre-kindergarten and kindergarten age students for the 2023-24 school year. Parents can start the enrollment process at the PK/Kindergarten RoundUp on Saturday, April 15. Contact the school at 817-306-4260 about the enrollment process.

“By being part of the Lake Worth ISD family, you have the opportunity to make a huge impact,” said LWISD Superintendent Dr. Rose Mary Neshyba. “Our children are worth it;

• Medical insurance plans are available from TRS ActiveCare. The district contributes $275 per month for each employee enrolled.

• MDLive is also available to all employees at no cost, even if they decline the health insurance.

• On-site staff day care center.

• Loan Forgiveness Program.

• Mentoring program for new teachers.

“I TELL THEM TO TAKE WHAT CHALLENGES THEY HAVE IN FRONT OF THEM AND KEEP MOVING FORWARD.”

General ELE C TION

The City of Lake Worth will be canceling the May 6, 2023, General Election due to unopposed candidates for the offices of Mayor and City Council Members for Places 2, 4, and 6.

The certificate of unopposed candidates and Order of Cancellation will be presented at the March 21, 2023, City Council meeting. The unopposed candidates that will be certified as being elected to office are as follows:

These candidates are scheduled to receive their certificates of election and take their oath of office at the May 16, 2023, City Council meeting.

OFFICE NAME

Mayor

City Council, Place 2

City Council, Place 4

City Council, Place 6

Walter Bowen

Geoffrey White

Coy Pennington

Gary Stuard

If you have questions regarding the City Council election, please visit the city’s website at www.lakeworthtx.org/elections or contact the City Secretary’s Office at 817-237-1211 ext. 105 or via email at: citysecretary@lakeworthtx.org.

☼ Join A Board or Commission, Serve the City You Love Volunteer Opportunities

The City Secretary's Office receives applications from citizens interested in contributing to their community by volunteering to serve on a board or commission. The various boards and commissions act as advisory boards to the Council.

Appointments to boards and commissions are made annually.

Places 1, 3, 5, and 7 expire in oddnumber years, and Places 2, 4, and 6 expire in even-numbered years unless otherwise noted by ordinance.

If you are interested in being part of our team, please complete an application and return it to the City Secretary’s Office at 3805 Adam Grubb, Lake Worth, Texas 76135. You may also fax your application to

817-237-9684 or send it via email at citysecretary@lakeworthtx.org Applications can be found on the city’s website www.lakeworthtx.org under “How to do I apply for Boards and Commission”. Applications are forwarded to City Council for consideration of appointment as vacancies occur during the year. All applications are kept on file for one

year from the date of receipt. Residents are appointed by the City Council to serve on the following boards and commissions:

• Animal Shelter Advisory Committee

• Board of Adjustment

• Planning and Zoning Commission

For additional information, please contact the City Secretary’s Office at 817-237-1211 extension 105 or via email at citysecretary@lakeworthtx.org