Thursday, March 28, 2024

Doo The Right Thing!

Never leave your pet’s waste behind. Pet waste contains bacteria, viruses and parasites that can harm humans! Did you know that everything you put into your yard, will end up in the stormwater system which flows to your local ponds, creeks and rivers? Join us in the North Central Texas Council of Governments “Do The Right Thing” initiative and eliminate any dog waste that can enter into our waterways. Together, we can protect our pets, friends, family and environment.

Did you know there are about 1.5 million dogs residing in north central Texas? That’s a lot of puppy eyes and slobbery kisses! That’s also a lot of pet waste produced across the region.

Diseases and parasites, such as cryptosporidium (crypto), parvovirus (parvo) and salmonellosis (salmonella) can be passed from pet waste to humans. These can also be passed from dog to dog, making your little paw family sick. People come into contact with pet waste via outdoor pets, children at play, yard work and even flies.

Picking up pet waste can also benefit our surrounding environment. If left unattended, pet waste will wash away with stormwater and bring toxins into the waterways, polluting ponds, creeks and rivers.

Here are some ways to dispose of pet waste:

  • Flush it. Be sure not to flush any plastic bags.
  • Toss it in the trash.
  • Bury it 6 inches deep away from gardens and water sources.

If desired, hire a pet clean up service. Remember to never leave home without scooping bags and clean up pet waste around the yard at least once a week. And, of course, never leave your pet’s waste in any public location. Take the pledge to Doo the Right Thing. For more information, check out the Doo the Right Thing website.

Record Rainfall in Southlake Over the Weekend

Did anyone else have the words to the popular nursery rhyme “Rain, Rain, Go Away” stuck in their head Sunday? It came fast and it came furious. The City of Southlake had a total of 5.64 inches of rain on Sunday afternoon. The majority of that, 5.5 inches to be exact, fell within just 30 minutes.

The heavy rainfall caused several headaches around town. From flooded roadways, overflowing drainage systems to fallen tree limbs, the storm served as a tangible reminder to always be weather aware.

“Severe weather can happen very fast,” notes Southlake Emergency Management Coordinator Amanda Meneses. “When it does happen, don’t try to brave the storm, normally it passes quickly and if you see something that impacts public safety, report it.”

This has been a record-setting year for rainfall. According to the National Weather Service, as of May, the DFW area has seen more than 19 inches of rain this year. Last May, we saw almost two inches of rain in May, this year we had more than eight inches in May. This means the ground has been very saturated, that doesn’t leave much room for the additional water any new rainfall brings. But the water has to go somewhere, right?

The City has an extensive drainage system that is designed to channel rainwater. City engineers are always considering how water will impact public lands. When they see an issue, they work with the City Council to invest public dollars into proper drainage. If you have more questions about drainage in Southlake, visit our Stormwater and Drainage page on the City website.

Also, remember with heavy rainfall there can be debris left over and Republic Services, the City’s solid waste contractor, can help with that. Republic Services provides curbside collection of bulky waste during the regular residential collection at the rate of up to two cubic yards for no additional charge. The brush should be bundled in length of no more than four feet and no more than 50 pounds. If you have additional questions about trash collection, click here for more information.

Capital Improvement Program Defines 2019 Construction Priorities

Each year the budget includes a five-year capital improvement program (CIP), delineating construction projects designed to implement Southlake 2030 and Southlake 2035.

These projects ensure that the City will meet demands for water, sewer, roadway, drainage, and parks as Southlake moves toward build-out. Year One of the CIP is called the capital budget and allocates dollars to build the identified projects.

Proposed FY 2019 Capital Projects Allocated by Project Type

This figure shows the proposed FY 2019 Capital Improvement Program allocation by project type.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Building & Maintaining Southlake’s Public Works Infrastructure

Public Works construction projects figure prominently in the FY 2019 budget.

Funds for construction of Zena Rucker Connector, North White Chapel Boulevard, SH 114 improvements, Kirkwood Boulevard intersection improvements, and landscaping are included in the budget. So are dollars for water quality projects and water lines along SH 114, Kirkwood, and Westpark Circle.

Drainage improvements on public land near Raven Bend, West Highland Street, Simmons Court, Creekside, Florence Road, Kirkwood Branch at White Chapel, and at the TW King Pump Station are also funded. Finally, the budget includes matching funds for the replacement of the South White Chapel Bridge at Bear Creek, to be financed through the Texas Department of Transportation.

Southlake engineers and inspectors have the responsibility to design, build, and ensure the quality of the infrastructure needed to provide water and sewer services, as well as drainage and roadway facilities for public use. And once these items are constructed, crews take on the responsibility of maintaining them.

With more than 296 miles of water distribution pipes, 208 miles of sewer mains, 211 linear miles of city roadways, and 174 miles of sidewalks/trails, maintenance responsibilities are significant. And these numbers don’t even account for public drainage ways and associated infrastructure like fire hydrants, meters, valves, manholes, and lift stations! The new construction will complement the current infrastructure and makes sure that facilities meet future demand.

Public Works Related Capital Improvement Projects

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What About Parks?

City parks, open space, and recreational amenities for all ages are a top priority. The good news is that special funding makes it possible to implement the park master plan in an ongoing and steady timeline.

Champions Club, the newest part of The Marq Southlake, is set to open in December. This project, funded through a special sales tax overseen by the Community Enhancement and Development Corporation, will be a recreation game-changer for the community beginning in 2019.

The City will also begin designing improvements to the Southlake Sports Complex, including fields, building improvements, shade structures, restrooms, a playground, batting cages, trails, parking, and other amenities. Construction will span a few years, but things get started with the new fiscal year.

The team will also turn attention to Central Park (located at the Shops of Southlake) with an eye to improving the functionality of the space and developing plans for future improvements.

The Southlake Parks Development Corporation will fund these improvements with a special sales tax.

The City owns or leases 1,197.8 acres of park land and open space, and is responsible for the maintenance of the property and the related improvements, including 51 practice fields/game facilities, seven playgrounds, 21 tennis courts, and 14 pavilions.

The CIP paves the way for ongoing infrastructure development, making sure that Southlake continues to be a premier community in which to live, work, and play.

Proposed Parks Capital Improvement Projects

FM 1938 – Signs of Progress

TxDOT Construction crews are making progress on the large underground drainage structure north of Beam Drive.

Once completed it will provide flood protection for the properties downstream of FM 1938. The pictures below show a below ground view of the drainage boxes and the excavation required to complete the project.

Drivers in the area should be aware that construction is taking place behind the existing barricades between Beam Drive and Randol Mill. No lane closures will be necessary; however, construction crews will need to periodically stop traffic to allow vehicles and equipment to enter the work area.

Thank you for your patience during this project. If you have any questions, please contact the Public Works Department at 817-748-8098.