Plano’s National Night Out Program Earns Recognition
The National Association of Town Watch has recognized the Plano Police Department’s National Night Out 2011 program with fourth place honors among cities with similar populations. The National Award recognizes Plano’s participation in the 28th Annual National Night Out crime, drug and violence prevention program. Participation of neighborhoods and law enforcement, along with the quality of the program, were essential to capturing the award. Neighborhood National Night Out coordinators bring neighbors together for this fabulous annual October event. To learn how your neighborhood can join the 2012 event, contact the Plano Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit at (972) 941-2431
Municipal Court Clerk’s Office Will Close Feb. 7-8
The City of Plano Municipal Court Clerk’s Office will temporarily close on Tuesday, Feb. 7 and Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012, for the clerk’s annual certification training. The closure will impact both locations – Raymond Robinson Justice Center and Joint Use Facility. For the last nine years, the Clerk’s Office has closed for employees to attend certification training in the Dallas area as a cost saving measure. The Clerk’s Office will resume normal hours of operations on Thursday, Feb., 9.
Plano Participates in Collin County’s Annual Homeless Count on Jan. 26
Plano will join a statewide effort to count the homeless on Thursday, Jan. 26. The count is being conducted by the Collin County Homeless Coalition, Plano Community Service Officers and volunteers. The annual count is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to qualify for funding for programs to assist the homeless. Plano Police Officers will assist with the count. During the count, the homeless will be given care packages donated by various community organizations. The count will include individuals and families who are “couch surfers” and “over housed,” as well as those living shelter to shelter. If someone you know is homeless, or borrowing a couch or room in Plano, please contact Renette Lee at (972) 941-7151.
Residents Deliver on Water Conservation
Reports are showing your efforts to conserve water are helping Plano meet the limits imposed by the North Texas Municipal Water District. Plano continues to hit the 10% reduction target in most months since Stage 3 was implemented November 1.
Even with the recent rain, the drought continues to play havoc on local water resources. Please continue to follow the Stage 3 guidelines and the City continues to encourage everyone to turn sprinkler systems off. With dormant plant materials and periodic rains, automated systems are not needed at this time. It’s also important to note that different cities have different guidelines for watering, so when in doubt check www.plano.gov/water.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) maps show the drought will persist and potentially intensify in our area. With that in mind, we may be in conservation mode for a while. On January 9, Lake Lavon, our main source for water, was only 51.6% full. Secondary sources, Lake Chapman and Lake Tawakoni, were 31% and 74% full respectively.
We continue to need work together to ensure that the drought doesn’t impact our long-term drinking water supply over at least the next year. We understand your sacrifice and truly appreciate the extra effort to conserve.
Citizens Fire Academy Kicks Off Recruitment Efforts
The Plano Fire Department is accepting applications for the spring 2012 Citizens Fire Academy. Once the Academy fills its 30 seats, recruitment will close so don’t delay. The 10-week Academy begins in March, meeting one night a week from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Fire Administration. You must be 18 years old or older and either live or work in the city of Plano to apply. It’s a great opportunity to expand your knowledge of how the fire department works without giving up your day job.