eWYLIE October 19, 2007
Welcome to eWYLIE, the City of Wylie’s e-newsletter. Our goal is to provide you with the timeliest information about city programs, events and services. For more information go to WylieTexas.gov.
Capital Improvement Plans Move Forward
Last month reconstructed portions of Alanis Drive and Stone Road opened for traffic, this month the Wylie City Council awarded the bid and approved the reconstruction of Ballard Avenue from Stone Road to Alanis Drive. The project will transform this section of Ballard from a two lane asphalt road to a four lane divided concrete roadway, including an underground drainage system. Dirt should fly the end of November 2007 with a projected completion date of August 2008.
Early Voting Begins October 22...County Bond Program on Ballot
Early voting for the November 6, 2007, Special Election begins Monday, October 22, and runs through Friday, November 2, at Wylie City Hall, 2000 Highway 78 North. Follow the links to view sample ballots, find additional early voting locations and election day polling locations, or search for your voter registration. Highlighting the ballot are three propositions related to the Collin County Bond Program focused on transportation, facilities and parks/open space. Projects of interest to Wylie residents include the reconstruction and widening of the following roads from two to four lanes: Brown Street from FM 1378 to Ballard Avenue; McMillen Road (Park Boulevard) from East of McCreary Road to FM 1378; Stone Road from Akin Lane to County Line Road; Ballard Street from Alanis Drive to the County Line. In addition to the street reconstructions, funding is listed for right-of-way acquisition for Park Boulevard from Parker Road to Spring Creek Parkway. The bond proposal also includes potential funding for Wylie parks and open space projects. The Commissioners Court projects that passage of all propositions will not result in an increase in the overall property tax rate for the Collin County portion.
Downtown Trick or Treat - Thursday, October 25
Goblins, ghosts and ghouls of all ages will converge on Ballard Street for the Wylie Downtown Merchants Association Trick or Treat & Fall Festival Thursday, October 25, from 6 - 8 pm. From candy to the Wylie Parks and Recreation Jump Zone to the costume contest benefiting the Wylie Christian Care Center, this community event offers something for everyone.
Jazz in the Park - Tuesday, October 23
Downtown Wylie will come alive with the sounds of the Wylie High School Jazz Band Tuesday, October 23, 5 pm, in Olde City Park. The Wylie High School Jazz Band is scheduled to play at 6 pm. Bring the whole family for an evening of Jazz in the Park.
Time to “Reach for a Star”
Christmas is still two months away but City of Wylie employees are busy preparing for the Reach for a Star Christmas Gift Assistance Program. Need Assistance? Pick up an application at Wylie City Hall (8 - 5 pm, 2000 Highway 78 North), October 22 - November 2. Completed Applications must be returned to Wylie City Hall by 5 pm, November 2. The program is for Wylie residents with children newborn to age 16. Help a child’s wish come true. Pick up a star(s) between November 13 and December 7 at City Hall or other Reach for a Star locations. Purchase new toys and drop off by December 7 at City Hall or where the star was picked up.
City of Wylie Receives Excellence in Financial Reporting Award
The Government Finance Officers Association recently presented the City of Wylie Finance Department with the Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting award. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. The award is based on clearly and effectively communicating the City’s finances with full disclosure.
Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery – Sunday, November 4
Approximately 80 percent of fatal home fire victims are children and the elderly killed by fires in homes without working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms nearly double the chance of surviving a home fire. Do not forget to change out your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector batteries when changing your clocks back to Central Standard time on Sunday morning, November 4.
Star Students Recognized at City Council Meeting
Congratulations to the WISD Star Students recognized at the October 9 City Council meeting for exemplifying the character trait of responsibility. Click here for a complete list of students. Character Counts is the district's educational program which encourages teachers, students, and staff members to recognize and demonstrate their own strengths in a positive and caring school environment. Students are selected every six weeks based on a different character trait.
Planning Association Elects Ollie as Secretary
Renae’ Ollie, Planning Director for the City of Wylie, was recently selected by a vote of her peers as Secretary of the Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association. “This opportunity enables me to draw on the knowledge of more than 39,000 planning professionals nationwide as we set the course for long term, well planned, growth in Wylie”, Ollie says. The APA is a nonprofit public interest and research organization representing over 39,000 practicing planners, officials, and citizens involved with urban and rural planning issues. Their mission is to provide expertise and processes that empower citizens to be engaged in the development and sustainability of Great Communities in Texas.
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