Please join the City of Southlake Public Works’ department for their 6th annual Holiday Grease Roundup. This unique opportunity allows residents to donate their used cooking oil and grease in order to protect the City’s wastewater system. Residents will be able to conveniently donate their used oil at 1950 East Continental Boulevard day or night. A designated grease collection station will be available 24/7 from November 13 to January 12 for donations. Please note that motor oil will not be accepted.


By contributing to this program, you are helping to keep fats, oils, and grease (FOG) out of your community's sewer system. It is important that FOG items are disposed of properly as pouring these products down drains results in solidified masses that block flow within the plumbing system. Once a blockage has occurred, severe backups, overflows, and damage can occur, which could then affect the entire system. By choosing to partake in this program, residents can be assured that their used cooking oil and grease is being disposed of properly and not contributing to a plumbing issue. Additionally, by donating your oil and grease, your contributions will be recycled into biofuel.

For further information regarding the Holiday Grease Roundup program and other ways to prevent FOG from entering drains, please visit DefendYourDrainsNorthTexas.com.

Any remaining questions regarding the Southlake drop-off location can be directed to Environmental Services at 817-748-8638.

We’re here to help you prepare for your trip to the polls. Southlake Town Hall has been designated as an official polling site for Tarrant County, meaning Tarrant County residents can cast their vote on the 3rd Floor during early voting and on Election Day.

As a reminder, Denton County voters will need to locate a polling place using the Denton County Elections site.

Early Voting Times at Southlake Town Hall:

Early voting begins on October 21st and ends on November 1st. You can swing by the 3rd floor of Town Hall to cast your vote any time within the schedule listed below:

October 21-25 (M-F): 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

October 26th (Saturday): 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

October 27th (Sunday): 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

October 28th-Nov 1. (M-F): 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Election Day Times:

Election Day is on November 5, 2024. You can stop by the 3rd floor of Town Hall to cast your vote any time between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

What Are the Acceptable Forms of Photo ID?

You may present any of the following forms of identification while at the polls:

  • Texas Driver License issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
  • Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
  • Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS
  • Texas Handgun License issued by DPS
  • United States Military Identification Card containing the person’s photograph
  • United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph
  • United States Passport (book or card)

* For voters aged 18-69, the acceptable form of photo identification may be expired no more than four years. Voters aged 70 or older may present Photo ID that has been expired any length of time.

What are the Accessibility Accommodations Available at Town Hall?

  • Accessible parking is located on the north side of Town Hall (on Civic Place).
  • If you require curbside voting, dial the phone number located on the sign in front of your accessible parking space.
  • Ramps are available on the south side of Town Hall (on Main Street), where you can take the elevator to the third floor.
  • If necessary, notify an election official if you have mobility issues and need to skip the line.

We encourage all Tarrant County residents to take advantage of this convenient polling location at Southlake Town Hall. If you have any questions or need assistance while voting, don’t hesitate to reach out to our helpful election officials at the polling site!

For more information regarding voting in Tarrant County, visit the Tarrant County Elections page.

Hispanic Heritage Month is in full swing, and the Southlake Public Library is celebrating with a world-class display and a wealth of information. Running from September 15 to October 15 annually, this month is dedicated to honoring the legacy and contributions of Hispanic heritage. 

The library is offering a wonderful display showcasing the diverse food options from countries such as Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, and Colombia. Visitors can learn about traditional tamales from each country and the essential process of nixtamalization, complete with visual examples and brief descriptions. 

The Southlake Library is known for its year-round dedication to creating engaging displays that highlight various celebrations. This effort is spearheaded by their talented staff, including Alinn, who approaches each challenge with thoughtfulness and grace. 
 

“Food is an essential part of Hispanic culture,” said Library Assistant Alinn, when asked about her process for creating the display for the library. “We share food as an act of love and community building and this is especially true for making tamales. Entire families, three or even four generations deep, will come together around holidays and special occasions to make dozens and dozens of tamales together. It becomes a very efficient assembly line - some make the fillings and the masa, others fill and fold the tamales, all the while 15-gallon steamer pots are set to boil atop carefully constructed wood fires. Some of my favorite memories come from these get togethers. 

“Latin America is so large - even being born and raised in Mexico, I did not get to learn much about other Latin cultures until I became personally interested in them as an adult. This little project has allowed me to explore the culture and traditions of each of these countries, and I am beyond grateful to have the opportunity to share it with everyone that comes into the library.” 

Next time you’re in Town Square, be sure to stop by the library on the first floor of Town Hall to experience the cultural significance of Hispanic Heritage Month.  

Sewer, garbage and recycling rate changes will go into effect on October 1, 2024, for all Southlake Water Utilities customers. Residents will notice the increase on November billing statements.

Sewer Rate Change 

The Trinity River Authority (TRA) supplies sewer treatment to 98% of Tarrant County, including Southlake. The TRA Board of Directors voted to approve rate increases for sewer treatment at both Denton Creek and Central Regional wastewater plants. As a result, Southlake Water Utilities will be passing an increase on to Southlake customers. Base sewer charges will increase to $40.89 and the additional consumption charge will increase to $6.00 per thousand gallons. Southlake customers will see the maximum residential sewer charge is $88.89 per month.  

Refuse Rate Change 

The new refuse rates—reflected on Southlake Water Utility bills for residential customers, will increase by 4.28%. The Community Waste Disposal (CWD) contract includes a provision for an annual rate adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index (DFW All Urban – Less Energy), changes to the price of natural gas fuel, and disposal fees.  

Residential collections will increase by $0.82 on October 1, 2024. Commercial front load collections will increase by 4.51% and roll-off rates will increase by 4.49% on October 1 in accordance with the contract. 

These rate changes will take effect on October 1, 2024, and the increase will be reflected on the November billing statements. 

This week on Southlake City Spotlight, we join Mayor Pro Tem Randy Williamson at North Park and Liberty Park as he shares the story behind his family’s journey from New York City to Southlake, TX. He also details when he first learned about Southlake Program for the Involvement of Neighborhoods (SPIN) and the domino effect that led to years of public service.

Mayor Pro Tem Randy Williamson talks about his love of the City Parks and his time as President of the Southlake Parks Development Corporation.

Check out this week’s Southlake City Spotlight and learn more about Mayor Pro Tem Randy Williamson by clicking on the link below:

At the 2024 Employee Appreciation Awards, Aaron Grogan was recognized for his exceptional dedication and integrity with the Accountability Award. In just over two years with the City of Southlake, Aaron has proven to be a cornerstone of the IT department, embodying the values of honesty, transparency, and a commitment to service.

“Aaron always has an ability to listen to our clients with compassion and come up with solutions with care and understanding,” Blair Halbert, Information Technology Director said. “As long as we need computers, we will need individuals like Aaron to help ensure that our work and projects are successfully completed.”

Aaron’s role as the Support Services Supervisor places him at the heart of the city's IT operations. He leads a team responsible for providing technology support to city staff, managing the city's phone systems, mobile devices, and CCTV cameras. His day-to-day responsibilities are a blend of coordinating support ticket assignments, handling his own tickets, attending meetings, and responding to emergencies.

For Aaron, accountability is about being honest and transparent, even when it might be difficult. He emphasizes the importance of admitting when he doesn't know something and committing to finding the right answer.

"The most fulfilling aspect of IT for me is the opportunity to use my talent to help others. No one can be an expert in all things, and it’s difficult to maintain expertise in one’s chosen career and simultaneously maintain expertise with technology,” Aaron said. “People are often embarrassed when they can’t solve a technology problem. I enjoy being able to help while also reassuring them that there is nothing to be ashamed of."

As the City of Southlake continues to grow and evolve, Aaron's role will remain vital in ensuring that its technological foundation is solid, reliable, and transparent. His approach to accountability, combined with his compassion and problem-solving skills, makes him a shining example of what it means to be a dedicated public servant.

To view this video on mobile devices, click here.

At the August 6th meeting, the Southlake City Council honored Lynn Carpenter, who has served on the Southlake Building Board of Appeals for an impressive 30 years.  

The Building Board of Appeals was established to provide citizens with an avenue to appeal decisions related to building permits and code enforcement, ensuring fair application of the codes. Lynn's journey with the board has seen him in various roles, including Alternate 1, Alternate 2, Places 2 and 4, and for the last 16 years, as Chair. His leadership and deep knowledge have guided the board through numerous decisions, always with the best interests of the community at heart.

Lynn Carpenter poses with the Southlake City Council

As a registered architect and professional structural engineer, Lynn's qualifications have played a crucial role in maintaining the city's high standards and facilitating a healthy relationship between government and individuals.

“The board does not overturn the code; we gather the facts and determine if the code has been fairly and correctly applied,” Lynn explained. “We've had very good, knowledgeable code officials who strive to interpret the codes fairly, so this has not been a problem."

Lynn Carpenter with Chief Building Official Mike White and Deputy Building Officials Susie Hernandez and Charlie Wright

Despite the rarity of appeals in recent years — with the last appeal over two decades ago —Lynn and the board always remained vigilant and ready to serve, ensuring that the power to challenge decisions affecting our homes and businesses rests in the hands of the people.

“For three decades David has been a pillar of dedication and commitment, contributing countless hours to ensuring the quality and safety of our building codes and regulations," Chief Building Official Mike White said at the meeting. "I want to express our deepest gratitude to David for his service."

Lynn Carpenter's legacy is a testament to the impact that one individual's dedication and knowledge can have on a community. His work has ensured that our city's building standards remain top-notch, fostering a safe and well-regulated environment for all.

"It's been my greatest pleasure to serve the City," Lynn said. "I wanted it to be a great city from the time we moved here and I just did what I could to help along that way."

You can watch the full presentation to honor Lynn Carpenter, and the entirety of the August 6th City Council meeting here.

Between facilitating wonderful memories at summer camps, continuing the momentum at the new Pickleball Complex, and wrapping up Parks and Recreation Month, there’s never a dull moment in the Community Services Department. Whether you’ve lived in Southlake your entire life or have just begun planting your roots here, chances are you’ve experienced the positive impact of this department – and the fun is only just beginning.

Leading a dynamic transformation is a new executive leadership team, with Director David Miller at the helm. With over 15 years of executive leadership experience, Director Miller brings exceptional strategic skills, asset management expertise, and the ability to foster a healthy and encouraging work environment. Shortly after his promotion in October 2023, Director Miller appointed Ryan McGrail and Fince Espinoza as his deputy directors, forming a powerhouse trio committed to establishing Southlake as a premier destination for memorable community events and activities.

Group photo of a team
The Community Services Team posing with Mayor McCaskill

“The team that we have assembled across the Community Services Department is well positioned to continue creating world class experiences for the citizens of Southlake for years to come,” Director Miller said. “Ryan and Fince bring a wealth of experience to the table, but more importantly they bring an incredible amount of passion and dedication to their work. They are constantly working to improve our programming, facilities and parks system by not only making sure we manage our assets well but have our eyes on the future and what’s next in the park and recreation industry.”

The promotion of Ryan McGrail was a natural choice. Ryan has served Southlake for over 25 years and brings a deep understanding of recreational programming to his role. His expertise spans from organizing fantastic events at Legends Hall to ensuring that Champions Club offers top-notch facilities and activities. Ryan's passion for creating engaging, inclusive experiences guarantees that there’s always something for everyone to enjoy.

Members of a team peering into a hallway and smiling
Deputy Director Ryan McGrail with members of the Community Services Team participating in Office Olympics

Covering the Parks and Recreation side of Community Services, Deputy Director Fince Espinoza brings a unique perspective and knowledge from his time serving other cities. With more than 25 years of Parks and Recreation experience, he now oversees the Southlake Parks Teams to ensure that our more than 1,100 acres of open space and 20 parks are in top-notch condition. He also manages the Community Services Capital Improvement Projects and Green Ribbon-funded TXDOT projects, such as the enhancements along the State Highway 114 corridor.

Three men standing together smiling
Deputy Director Fince Espinoza and Director David Miller with Champions Club fitness staffer, Jamie Hill

Together, this trio is poised to lead our Community Services department into an exciting new chapter. Their collaborative spirit and their team’s innovative ideas will breathe new life into The Marq and Southlake’s recreational spaces, ensuring they remain cherished assets for generations to come.

The SRO Division has been honored as a NASRO Role Model Agency, an accolade that underscores the unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Southlake’s school community.

This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of officers within the SRO Division, who have consistently demonstrated excellence in their service to Southlake’s schools and the broader community. Through innovative approaches to school-based policing, comprehensive training, and adherence to the highest standards, the SRO Division has become a national model for effective law enforcement engagement in educational settings.

Since its inception, the SRO Program has evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of the schools and students. From establishing trust and mentorship with students to implementing proactive crime prevention measures, our officers have played a pivotal role in fostering a safe and supportive learning environment within Carroll and Keller Independent Schools. This recognition by NASRO reaffirms the effectiveness of our collaborative efforts with CISD, KISD, city leadership, and the community at large.

“We are incredibly proud of the achievements of our SRO Division and grateful for the dedication of our officers,” Captain Blas Hernandez said. “As we continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and service, I am confident that our SRO Division will remain a beacon of excellence in school-based policing.”

Captain Hernandez and Officer Rattan accepted the award at the NASRO Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona this month.

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