December News Releases

 

December 31, 2009

 

Abilene Regional Airport welcomes new restaurant Monday  

ABILENE, Texas – Alley Cats Restaurant will open at Abilene Regional Airport on Monday, January 4, 2010. The restaurant will be open 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Sundays. Alley Cats’ full menu from its Pine Street location in downtown Abilene will be available.

 

Anyone who dines at the restaurant can park in the airport’s covered parking lot for free for up to two hours. Patrons will need to have their parking ticket validated by the restaurant staff.

 

For more information about Abilene Regional Airport, go online to www.abilenetx.com/Airport.

 

December 30, 2009

 

Rose Park Senior Activity Center hosts garage sale 

ABILENE, Texas – Bargain hunters won’t want to miss the Rose Park Senior Activity Center’s annual garage sale, scheduled for Saturday, January 9, 2010. The fundraiser will run from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Rose Park Activity Building, located off of South 7th and Barrow Streets. Most of the items up for sale are decorations. Money raised from the garage sale will go towards the facility’s building fund.

 

For more information, contact the Rose Park Senior Activity Center at (325) 734-5300.

 

Health District to offer H1N1 flu vaccine at walk-in clinics

ABILENE, Texas – The Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District will give H1N1 vaccinations during the following walk-in clinics at its main facility, 850 N. 6th Street:

 

 

The walk-in clinics will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary. 

 

Seasonal flu vaccine is also available on a walk-in basis during the same days and hours. H1N1 is free. Seasonal flu vaccine is $15 for adults, $8 for children or the Health District will bill Medicare for those individuals who are eligible

 

For more information online regarding H1N1 influenza, go to the Texas Department of State Health Services at www.TexasFlu.org or the City of Abilene website, www.abilenetx.com and view the Hot Items sections, located under City Spotlight. Information is also available through 2-1-1 Texas A Call for Help by dialing 2-1-1 or for cell phone users, by dialing 673-8211.

 

December 29, 2009

 

Changes coming soon to CityLink’s fixed route system

ABILENE, Texas – Beginning Monday, January 4, CityLink Transit will offer new routes for passengers with more commercial and retail areas served, new time schedules and route numbers, and new Saturday routes. The changes to the fixed route system are the result of two public meetings, rider input and onboard surveys. This is the first time in nearly 20 years that the entire time schedules are changing. Bus fares are staying the same.

 

CityLink Transit General Manager Brad Patrick noted, “The route changes will enhance efficiency and provide better connectivity for passengers to better meet their travel needs.”

 

The new service locations include, among others:

 

 

On Saturdays, some weekday bus routes will be consolidated into single routes. Another notable change for Saturdays is the creation of a new route called the Crosstown Ambler which will run a continuous circular route along Ambler Avenue. The Crosstown will start at the Mockingbird Branch Library on 1214 N. Mockingbird Lane, following Ambler Avenue to the north Wal-Mart and returning to the library with several transfer points along the way to link with other routes. The Crosstown will not return to the Transfer Station as other routes do.  

 

Another significant change is in the numbering of CityLink’s routes. The old route numbering system designated the routes in numerical order, according to their date of origination. The new system numbers the routes as they would be placed on a clock face with north being designated as 12. The numbering system has changed for Saturday. Routes are designated with double digits beginning with the number 2 or 3, with the first route starting with 22.

 

New route maps are available online at http://www.abilenetx.com/CityLink and printed versions are available at the CityLink Transfer Station, 1189 S. 2nd Street in Abilene.

 

December 24, 2009

 

Wintry weather’s impact on City of Abilene

ABILENE, Texas – Street Services crews are out on city streets, monitoring road conditions and treating roadways with deicing materials when needed. Due to the wintry weather conditions, CityLink Transit has cancelled its Evening Service for tonight, December 24.

 

Abilene Regional Airport remains open. However, American Airlines/American Eagle has some flight cancellations as follows:

 

 

 

For any questions on delays, call American Eagle at 1-800-433-7300. Another phone number for flight information is the American Eagle Flight Information Line at 1-800-242-4444.

 

Most City of Abilene offices and community service centers will close at noon today, December 24 and will be closed on Friday, December 25 and Friday, January 1 in observance of the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays with the exception of those providing life safety services such as fire and police protection.

 

Follow the City of Abilene on Twitter at http://twitter.com/CityofAbilene for the latest updates.

 

December 22, 2009

 

Public's help sought in unusual animal investigation  

ABILENE, Texas – Animal Services is seeking the public’s help in a case involving a small dog. Animal control officers are investigating an incident in which a pet carrier with a deceased dachshund inside was found in a field off of E.S. 11th and Castle Streets on December 16.

 

If this incident is found to have involved animal cruelty, Rescue the Animals, SPCA will offer a $500 reward for any information leading to an arrest. 

 

If you have information about the case, contact the Abilene Animal Shelter at 325-698-0085.

 

December 18, 2009

 

Police awarded $20,000 grant from Community Foundation of Abilene

ABILENE, Texas – The Abilene Police Department recently received a $20,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Abilene. This grant will go towards the construction of a kid-friendly Police Station at the Melvin Martin Center for Children’s Safety, also known as Safety City. Construction of the 2,700 square-foot police education facility is scheduled to begin June 2010.

 

Currently, the Friends of Safety City board is fundraising for the Police Station which is estimated to cost $217,000. It will house an amphitheater-type classroom that can hold up to 100 students with their parents. The building will contain two offices for staff, a kitchenette area where snacks can be stored and served, and a conference room for volunteer training and meetings. The Police Station can serve as an area for students to eat lunch during inclement weather. It will also have handicapped accessible restrooms. Once complete, the Police Station will be donated to the City of Abilene. Last week, the Friends of Safety City board donated a 2,000 square-foot Fire Safety House, also located at Safety City, to the City. 

 

If you would like to assist with bringing a new police education facility to the Safety City campus, contact:

Friends of Safety City Foundation
P.O. Box 174
Abilene, Texas 79604     

 

The Melvin Martin Center for Children’s Safety is a child-size town designed to provide a fun, interactive safety education for elementary age kids. The campus provides students a safe environment for applying the lessons of bicycle, pedestrian, fire prevention and general traffic safety. Approximately 3,800 first and third grade students from 79 different schools around the Big Country attend Safety City every year.

 

Most City offices closed in observance of Christmas and New Year’s Day

ABILENE, Texas – Most City of Abilene offices and community service centers will close at noon on Thursday, December 24 and will be closed on Friday, December 25 and Friday, January 1 in observance of the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays with the exception of those providing life safety services such as fire and police protection.

 

The Abilene Animal Shelter will close at noon on December 24 and will be closed on December 25 and January 1. Citizens with an Animal Control emergency may call the Abilene Police Department at 673-8331 and an Animal Services Officer will be available to respond.

 

Solid Waste Services division offices will close at noon on Christmas Eve and remain closed on December 25 and on January 1. There will be no residential or commercial pickup on December 25. These services will resume on the customer’s next scheduled collection day. The Environmental Recycling Center (ERC), 2209 Oak Street, will also close at noon on Christmas Eve and be closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day.

 

CityLink Transit will not run on December 25 and January 1.

 

Municipal Court will also close at noon on Christmas Eve and be closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day. All citations due on those days will instead be due on December 28 and January 4 respectively.

 

The Abilene Zoo is closed on December 25 and January 1.

 

City facilities that will also close at noon on December 24 and be closed on December 25 and January 1 include: City Hall, Health Division, all Abilene Public Library locations, Abilene Civic Center, the Development Corporation of Abilene, the Airport Administration Office and City Recreation and Senior Citizen centers.

 

The Water Services Center, 701 E. Hwy. 80, will be closed on December 25. However, citizens may call the Water Service Center’s emergency hotline, 676-6000, for water and sewer emergencies. This hotline is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

 

The Abilene Police Department's Records Division will close at noon Thursday, December 24 and will re-open to the public on Monday, December 28 at 8:00 a.m.

 

December 17, 2009

 

Health District receives additional H1N1 flu vaccine and limited supply of seasonal flu                                                               

ABILENE, Texas – The Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District has received additional H1N1 flu vaccine. Sufficient doses of vaccine are now available to offer vaccinations to everyone. The Health District received 1,100 injectable doses of the H1N1 flu vaccine today. Individuals interested in receiving an H1N1 vaccination should call 692-5600 for an appointment at the main facility, 850 N. 6th St. H1N1 vaccinations are free.

 

The Health District also has a limited supply of seasonal flu vaccine. 600 doses of the seasonal flu vaccine were received. Individuals interested in receiving a seasonal flu vaccination should call 692-5600 to find out the days and times when it is available. Seasonal flu vaccine will be given at the main facility as well. There is a $15 charge for adults receiving the seasonal flu vaccine, or the Health District will bill Medicare for those individuals who are eligible. The fee for children is $8.

 

For more information online regarding H1N1 influenza, go to the Texas Department of State Health Services at www.TexasFlu.org or the City of Abilene website's flu information section. Information is also available through 2-1-1 Texas A Call for Help by dialing 2-1-1 or for cell phone users, by dialing 673-8211.

 

 

City Council approves annexing land, southeast of city limits

ABILENE, Texas – In vote of four to three, the City Council approved annexing about 740 acres southeast of city limits. Mayor Norm Archibald, Councilman Stormy Higgins, Councilwoman Laura Moore and Councilman Anthony Williams voted in favor of the annexation while Councilman Robert Briley, Councilman Shane Price and Councilman Joe Spano voted against the annexation. This action means that about thirty homes will become part of Abilene by the end of the month.

 

The final annexation area is bounded on the north and west by current city limits, and Colony Hill Road to the south. The eastern boundary is F.M. 1750 (Oldham Lane) in the southern half of the annexation area and one-half mile east of Oldham Lane in the northern half of the annexation area. The final annexation area excludes any property with a filed development agreement. As part of the service plan for the annexed area, the City of Abilene will rebuild Hardison Lane between Maple Street and Oldham Lane (FM 1750) within five years after the effective date of annexation. The cost of rebuilding the lane is projected to be $1.34 million and will be funded through the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) or other sources of funding.

 

During this morning’s City Council meeting, a final reading and public hearing on the annexation ordinance were held. This was the second public hearing on the issue this month. Two public hearings were held in the month of October 2007. An additional public hearing was held on July 10, 2008 with the City Council approving an amended annexation area. As a result, the Black Hawk and Colonial Hills subdivisions, as well as other areas, were removed from the revised annexation plan. Staff also met with an appointed County Annexation Committee to negotiate the level of services to be provided if the area was to be annexed.

 

The service plan addresses police protection; fire protection and emergency medical services; solid waste collection; water and wastewater facilities; operation and maintenance of streets; traffic control devices; street lights; parks, recreation and other community services and facilities; and operation and maintenance of other public facilities, buildings and services such as public drainage ways.

 

The Three-Year Annexation Plan began in December 2006 and originally included an area of approximately 3,436 acres southeast of current city limits, south of Abilene Regional Airport.

 

Abilene Zoo awarded $10,000 grant from Community Foundation of Abilene

ABILENE, Texas – The Abilene Zoo is proud to announce that it is the recipient of a $10,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Abilene. The grant will help the zoo construct a pre-release pen for the critically endangered Attwater’s prairie chickens. The zoo, in conjunction with other zoological institutions and Texas Parks and Wildlife, participates in the captive breeding of this bird. Every year, a number of the young are released into the wild at Attwater’s Prairie Chicken National Wildlife refuge near Eagle Lake, Texas.

 

“We are grateful to the Community Foundation of Abilene for providing these endangered birds with a greater chance for survival in the wild”, Zoo Curator Vonceil Harmon noted. “The 100 foot by 50 foot pre-release pen will mimic the natural habitat of the Attwater’s prairie chickens while also providing them with a secure environment.”

 

Attwater’s prairie chickens are small brown birds that were traditionally found on the coastal prairies of Texas. Due to lack of a suitable habitat, there are currently less than 80 in the wild. The Species Survival Plan (SSP) for the Attwater’s prairie chicken recommends specific pre-release housing requirements to increase the survival of the species. The zoo’s new pen will feature native plants similar to the ones these young birds and some older birds will encounter once released back into the wild.

 

The Abilene Zoo is located in Nelson Park, off Highway 36, at 2070 Zoo Lane. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursdays Memorial Day through Labor Day. The zoo is closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. For more information, please call 325 673-9453.

  

'Tis the season to recycle your Christmas tree

ABILENE, Texas – The City of Abilene’s Solid Waste Services Division is once again sponsoring “Recycle Christmas”, its annual holiday-themed recycling campaign. Citizens are urged to recycle whatever they can from Christmas trees (both live and artificial) to wrapping paper and cardboard boxes.

 

From Friday, December 18 through Monday, January 11, citizens can drop off live Christmas trees at three locations:

 

 

Before dropping off a tree, citizens should remove all lights, ornaments, bases and as much tinsel as possible. The Christmas trees will be ground into mulch that will be available free to the public, on a first-come, first served basis, starting Monday, February 1 at the Environmental Recycling Center (ERC).

 

Artificial trees are also accepted at the ERC.

 

The ERC is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

 

December 16, 2009

     

The City of Abilene Neighborhood Initiative making impact on Alameda Addition neighborhood

ABILENE, Texas – Within a four-month period, the City of Abilene Neighborhood Initiative (ANI), which was initiated by Councilman Anthony Williams, is already making a difference in the Alameda Addition neighborhood. The boundaries of the Alameda Addition neighborhood are defined as to the north, Highway 80 & 84; to the south, South 7th St.; to the east, Winters Freeway; and to the west, Ruidosa Dr.

 

An ANI community meeting was held in August 2009 at New Haven Community Church to discuss the needs and concerns of residents in this neighborhood. Councilman Williams noted that since the meeting, much has been accomplished including:

 

  • Community Organization: the neighborhood is now referred to as the Alameda Addition instead of the Four-Way. Back in the 1960s and 1970s, the area was called Alameda Addition and residents in attendance agreed it was time to reclaim the original name.
 
  • Safety Improvements: a cross walk was installed at South 7th Street and Corsicana Avenue. There are also flashing lights to correspond with the cross walk at South 7th Street and Corsicana Avenue. A crossing guard is now there before and after school hours to assist schoolchildren and others with crossing the busy intersection.
 
  • Police/Neighborhood Collaboration: the Abilene Police Department worked with an Alameda Addition resident to address a reported drug home. An arrest was made.

 

“These are all significant changes that are helping improve the quality of life in the Alameda Addition,” Councilman Williams explained. “I’m seeing residents wanting to get involved and initiate positive change in their neighborhood. ANI’s work here is not done but I am appreciative of what’s been accomplished so far by residents, the City of Abilene and ANI’s partners working together.”

 

One of the ANI partners is the church community. The New Haven Community Church has contributed much to the ANI initiative in the Alameda Addition.

 

Pastor Steve Ham of New Haven Community Church pointed out, “The teens especially feel that their voices have been heard. They signed a petition for a crosswalk and they got one. The City of Abilene responded very quickly, and I’m grateful for the difference ANI is already making in our neighborhood.” 

 

ANI is focusing on four neighborhoods: Alameda Addition, Carver, Butternut/Chestnut and Holiday Hills. These communities are socially and economically deprived and revitalization is vital for their health and welfare as well as that of the entire Abilene area. ANI is partnering with area churches, Connecting Caring Communities and other stakeholders in this long-term initiative.

     

                                                                                            

Delays expected near Buffalo Gap Road and Rebecca Lane intersection tomorrow due to water line repair

ABILENE, Texas – The Department of Water Utilities announced that delays are likely around the intersection of Buffalo Gap Road and Rebecca Lane on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 as a water main is repaired. The repair work will begin at 7:00 a.m. along the east side of the intersection and is expected to take all day to complete. Northbound traffic will be reduced to a single lane and possibly to single lane traffic in both directions. As a result, morning, noon and evening traffic could be affected in this area.

 

Drivers are encouraged to seek alternative routes during this time. Every effort will be made to clearly direct traffic through the work zone. Drivers should proceed with caution through the work zone.

 

Update/December 16, 2009: The temporary lane closures will continue on Buffalo Gap Road and Rebecca Lane intersection through possibly Friday. Drivers are encouraged to seek alternate routes since traffic delays are expected. The water line repair work is complete. However, the cold weather is impacting the time it takes for the street prep work, curing of the materials and paving.

 

December 15, 2009

 

Reminder: sale of animals on street corners prohibited

ABILENE, Texas – Around this time of year, people may try to sell puppies and kittens out of the back of a truck on Abilene street corners or in parking lots. This is not allowed under the City of Abilene’s Zoning Ordinance. Someone who is found doing so is subject to a fine of up to $500 per day for each violation.

 

The Zoning Ordinance, Section 23-306.5.B.(26)(h) prohibits the sale of live animals as an itinerant business which is defined as an “establishment of any business on a temporary basis where the business does not occur in a permanent structure.” City officials appreciate the public’s cooperation in this matter.

 

If someone is interested in adopting a new pet, there are many dogs, cats, puppies and kittens in need of forever homes that can be found at the Abilene Animal Shelter, 925 S. 25th Street. For more information, go online to http://www.abilenetx.com/Animal/adopt.htm or call 325-698-0085.

 

December 14, 2009

 

Delays expected near Buffalo Gap Road and Rebecca Lane intersection tomorrow due to water main repair

ABILENE, Texas – The Department of Water Utilities announced that delays are likely around the intersection of Buffalo Gap Road and Rebecca Lane on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 as a water main is repaired. The repair work will begin at 7:00 a.m. along the east side of the intersection and is expected to take all day to complete. Northbound traffic will be reduced to a single lane and possibly to single lane traffic in both directions. As a result, morning, noon and evening traffic could be affected in this area.

 

Drivers are encouraged to seek alternative routes during this time. Every effort will be made to clearly direct traffic through the work zone. Drivers should proceed with caution through the work zone.

 

December 11, 2009

 

Health District to hold public clinics for H1N1 vaccinations

ABILENE, Texas – The Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District announced today that it will conduct public clinics to administer 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine on Thursday, December 10, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Friday, December 11, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The clinics are open to everyone, and vaccinations will be given until the vaccine supply is exhausted. The free vaccinations will be given in the Display Building on the midway at the Taylor County Expo Center.   

 

More shipments of the vaccine are expected over the next few weeks. Additional vaccinations will likely be available after December 11, with dates and times dependent on the amounts and types of vaccine received and public demand.

 

For more information online regarding H1N1 influenza, go to the Texas Department of State Health Services at www.TexasFlu.org or the City of Abilene website, www.abilenetx.com and view the Hot Items sections, located under City Spotlight. Information is also available through 2-1-1 Texas A Call for Help by dialing 2-1-1 or for cell phone users, by dialing 673-8211.

 

UPDATE: As of 12:15 p.m. Friday, December 11, there is only H1N1 vaccine available for those under 50 years old. This is the mist version of the vaccine. All of the injectable H1N1 vaccine has been given out over the course of yesterday and this morning. Today’s public clinic at the Taylor County Expo Center is scheduled to run until 4:00 p.m.

 

December 10, 2009

Police cadets to graduate next Friday  

ABILENE, Texas – The Abilene Police Academy will graduate 15 cadets on Friday, December 18, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the Abilene Civic Center auditorium

 

The cadets of Academy #49 will have completed 25 weeks of intensive academic, physical and mentally challenging training. The 15 cadets will be sworn in and commissioned as Abilene police officers at the graduation. The PTO (Police Training Officer) phase begins after graduation for the police officers. This phase involves 16 weeks of training with the senior officers on the street. Upon completion of the PTO training, the newest Abilene police officers will be ready to serve the citizens of Abilene.

 

This graduation ceremony will be the first one under Chief Stan Standridge as the new police chief of the Abilene Police Department.

 

Get into the holiday spirit at the Family Holiday Festival

ABILENE, Texas – Come out to support Abilene seniors by attending the Family Holiday Festival on Friday, December 11 at the Rose Park Senior Activity Center. The annual fundraiser begins with a silent auction at 9:00 a.m. with bids closing at 9:00 p.m.  Morning activities include a cake walk and entertainment from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. If you don’t have luck at the morning cake walk, try again in the evening.

 

Dinner is served at 5:45 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A southern style three course meal provided by the senior citizens kitchen staff is on the menu. Entertainment starting at 6:30 p.m. is the Lone Star Steppers, a line dancing group that has been together for 30 years. The dance begins at 7:00 p.m. and runs through 10:00 p.m. Musical talents for the dance is brought to you by Muddy Creek.

 

Tickets are $10 per person for the dinner and dance. If you choose, you can participate in the dinner only or the dance only for $7 per person. Event tickets are available for purchase at the Rose Park Senior Activity Center, 2625 South 7th Street.

 

The Family Holiday Festival fundraiser has been a tradition in Abilene for 20+ years, and was formerly known as the Spaghetti Supper. Transportation will be available for regular bus riders. This invitation is extended to Abilenians of all ages. Organizers said the funds raised from the Family Holiday Festival go to the Rose Park Senior Citizen fund which is used to purchase items such as games for the senior activity center.

 

For more information, contact the Rose Park Senior Activity Center at (325) 734-5300.

 

December 9, 2009

 

Dedication of Fire Safety House at the Melvin Martin Center for Children’s Safety this Thursday

ABILENE, Texas – The dedication of the new Fire Safety House, located at the Melvin Martin Center for Children’s Safety (also known as Safety City), will take place at the South 7th Street campus this Thursday, December 10, 2009 at 10 a.m. During the ceremony, the Friends of Safety City board will donate the 2,000 square-foot building to the City of Abilene. The board raised approximately $160,000 for the Fire Safety House’s construction.

 

The Fire Safety House replaces an 8 foot by 30 foot Fire Safety Trailer which served as a teaching classroom, only accommodating 20 students at a time. The new facility is modeled after the former #2 Fire Station on South 5th and Butternut Streets. It features an “engine room”, a classroom with bleacher style seating for up to 60 students; a room that has a realistic kitchen where kitchen safety will be taught; and a bedroom setting where students will learn survival tactics to utilize in case of a house fire.  

 

Construction of a 2,700 square-foot Police Station is scheduled to begin June 2010. The Friends of Safety City board is currently fundraising for the construction of this facility which is estimated to cost $217,000. The board will also donate the Police Station to the City once it’s complete.

 

Safety City is a child-size town designed to provide a fun, interactive safety education for elementary age kids. Approximately 3,800 first and third grade students from 79 different schools attend Safety City every year.

 

December 8, 2009

                                                                                                     

Health District to hold public clinics for H1N1 vaccinations

ABILENE, Texas – The Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District announced today that it will conduct public clinics to administer 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine on Thursday, December 10, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Friday, December 11, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The clinics are open to everyone, and vaccinations will be given until the vaccine supply is exhausted. The free vaccinations will be given in the Display Building on the midway at the Taylor County Expo Center.   

 

More shipments of the vaccine are expected over the next few weeks. Additional vaccinations will likely be available after December 11, with dates and times dependent on the amounts and types of vaccine received and public demand.

 

For more information online regarding H1N1 influenza, go to the Texas Department of State Health Services at www.TexasFlu.org or the City of Abilene website, www.abilenetx.com and view the Hot Items sections, located under City Spotlight. Information is also available through 2-1-1 Texas A Call for Help by dialing 2-1-1 or for cell phone users, by dialing 673-8211.

                           

December 4, 2009

 

H1N1 vaccination appointments available Monday, Tuesday; priority groups expanded

ABILENE, Texas – The Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District announced today that it will administer 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine by appointment only on Monday, December 7 and Tuesday, December 8 for the following CDC recommended priority groups:

 

 

The priority groups now include individuals age 19 to 24 as well as those age 25 through 64 with high-risk health conditions. Appointments can be made by calling the Health District at 692-5600. The free vaccines will be given in the Health District’s facility at 850 N. 6th Street.

 

In conjunction with Merkel Independent School District, the Health District will assist with an H1N1 flu vaccine clinic for Merkel ISD students and staff on Wednesday, December 16 in Merkel.

 

The Health District recently received 3,500 doses of the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine. The shipments included multi-dose vials, single-dose pre-filled syringes and nasal spray vaccine. 1,300 doses of vaccine had been received previously. Individuals who have a regular physician should first inquire about the availability of vaccine from their private provider. More shipments of the vaccine are expected over the next few weeks.

 

H1N1 flu clinics, open to all populations, are forthcoming and will be announced as soon as information is available.

 

For more information online regarding H1N1 influenza, go to the Texas Department of State Health Services at www.TexasFlu.org or the Hot Items section of the City of Abilene website, www.abilenetx.com. Information is also available through 2-1-1 Texas A Call for Help by dialing 2-1-1 or for cell phone users, by dialing 673-8211.

 

December 3, 2009

 

City Council hears from public today about Tenaska request for reclaimed water

ABILENE, Texas – The City Council heard from 28 people during today’s public hearing on a reclaimed water supply request made by Tenaska Trailblazer Partners, LLC, an affiliate of the energy company Tenaska, Inc. Tenaska has asked the City of Abilene to provide a firm supply and transportation of up to 2,000 acre-feet per year of municipal treated wastewater effluent (reclaimed water) at a peak delivery rate of two million gallons per day. Tenaska has said it would use the water to cool its proposed coal-fired energy plant near Sweetwater. The City Council only expects to make a decision regarding Tenaska’s request sometime in early 2010.

 

Mayor Norm Archibald said the purpose of today’s hearing was to hear directly from the public. As part of the public hearing, a representative from Tenaska gave a presentation regarding its plant proposal. Mayor Archibald noted that the public brought up a spectrum of issues, from economic, health, safety and water, in regards to the Tenaska proposal. He also pointed out that they heard from both those in favor and against the City providing reclaimed water to Tenaska.

 

At the November 5, 2009 City Council meeting, Director of Water Utilities Tommy O’Brien told the City Council that the City does have enough reclaimed water available for current and future customers to meet Tenaska’s water supply request. However, Tenaska’s reclaimed water request might have to be supplemented periodically during peak demand times with water from other sources.

 

Citizen input is welcome. Interested persons may e-mail the City Council or send comments to:

Abilene City Council

555 Walnut Street, Room 203

P.O. Box 60

Abilene, TX 79604-0060

Phone: (325) 676-6200 Fax: (325) 676-6229

 

Deadline looming to annex land southeast of city limits

ABILENE, Texas – Earlier today, the City Council held the first of two public hearings this month on annexing 740 acres, southeast of city limits. The final annexation area is bounded on the north and west by current city limits, and Colony Hill Road to the south. The eastern boundary is F.M. 1750 (Oldham Lane) in the southern half of the annexation area and one-half mile east of Oldham Lane in the northern half of the annexation area. The final annexation area will exclude any property with a filed development agreement. The City Council will discuss whether or not to annex this area during its next meeting which will get underway at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, December 17, 2009 in City Council Chambers, City Hall, 555 Walnut Street. A second public hearing will be held at this time.

 

The Three-Year Annexation Plan began in 2006 and originally included an area of approximately 3,436 acres southeast of current city limits, south of Abilene Regional Airport. The City Council approved an alternate plan for annexation on July 10, 2008. As a result, the Black Hawk and Colonial Hills subdivisions, as well as other areas, were removed from the revised annexation plan.

Staff has met with an appointed County Annexation Committee to negotiate the level of services to be provided if the area was to be annexed. The service plan addresses police protection; fire protection and emergency medical services; solid waste collection; water and wastewater facilities; operation and maintenance of streets; traffic control devices; street lights; parks, recreation and other community services and facilities; and operation and maintenance of other public facilities, buildings and services such as public drainage ways. If approved, the City will commit to rebuilding Hardison Lane between Maple Street and Oldham Lane (FM 1750) within five years after the effective date of annexation. The cost of rebuilding the lane is projected to be $975,000.

 

City staff’s recommendation to reduce the annexation area came about for several reasons. Since the Three-Year Annexation Plan was initiated, ordinance amendments have been approved regarding platting requirements within the City’s extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) area. In addition, the City adopted an Airport Zoning Ordinance. A final consideration was the estimated cost analysis for a service plan. These economic factors included the hiring of additional police officers, upgrading water lines and improving streets.

 

If the City Council takes no action on the annexation plan by January 7, 2010, this particular area could not be annexed for another five years.

 

December’s favorite fitness activity of the month, brought to you by the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness

ABILENE, Texas – The Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness will offer hour-long, free group exercise classes on three days in December as part of the Favorite Fitness Activity of the Month program. Low impact aerobic classes, led by Janet McMurray, will be on Monday, December 7 and Wednesday, December 9 at 5:30 p.m. Pug Parris, who is also the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness Chair, will lead Salsa Aerobics on Tuesday, December 8, also at 5:30 p.m. All classes are held in room 200 of Hunt PE Center on the McMurry University campus.

 

Beginners are welcome. Please wear clothing that allows free movement and good tennis shoes. There is no childcare available at this site; all attendees must be able to participate. Participants will be required to sign a waiver to take part in the class.

 

Citizens serving on the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness are: Dr. Pug Parris (Chair), Dr. Dennis O’Connell (Vice-Chair), Dr. Tanya Brice, Joy Hedges, Mary Herron, Bill Horn, Dr. Dan Munton, Liz Rotenberry (former Chair), Deonna Shake and Karen Stover.

 

For other fitness activities in Abilene, go online to www.MyFitnessAbilene.com.

 

Holiday adoption special at Abilene Animal Shelter

ABILENE, Texas – This holiday season, dozens of animals are in need of a caring home. During the month of December, the Abilene Animal Shelter is giving a $20 discount for puppies, kittens, dogs and cats that are adopted from its facility. In addition, two non-profit animal rescue organizations are partnering with the Abilene Animal Shelter to offer additional promotions.

 

Animal Services Manager Aaron Vannoy noted, “The main goal we are hoping to achieve is to adopt the quality animals here at the shelter into good homes. Rescue the Animals, SPCA and the Taylor Jones Humane Society are giving more people opportunities to adopt animals this holiday season through the discounted prices. I hope we are successful in helping these homeless animals.”

 

During this special adoption sale, unsterilized dogs will cost $60 and unsterilized cats will cost $50. Dogs and cats that are sterilized will cost $15 each.

 

From December 1 through December 31, Rescue the Animals, SPCA is providing a $20 spay/neuter mail-in rebate coupon on every animal adopted from the Abilene Animal Shelter. The coupons are good at any veterinarian. The coupons will be given to new pet owner(s) with shelter adoptions.

 

The Taylor Jones Humane Society (TJHS) is offering $20 off shelter adoptions from December 14 through December 24. When a customer gets an approved adoption form from TJHS, the Humane Society will reimburse the customer $20 off the shelter adoption fee. The customer will have to show a signed adoption form to TJHS in order to receive the rebate.

 

Prospective pet owners are invited to visit the Abilene Animal Shelter, 925 S. 25th Street, to see which animals are available for adoption. Shelter hours are 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturdays.

For more information about animal adoptions, contact the Abilene Animal Shelter at 325-698-0085 or go online to www.abilenetx.com/animal.

 

December 1, 2009

 

Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District to offer additional H1N1 vaccinations by appointment

ABILENE, Texas – The Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District announced today that it will administer the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine by appointment only on Thursday, December 3 and Friday, December 4. Due to the previously local strong response the District will continue to follow the CDC recommended priority groups and provide appointments for the following:

 

 

Appointments can be made by calling the Health District at 692-5600. The free vaccine will be given in the Health District’s facility at 850 N. 6th Street.

 

Vaccine supplies are limited, and some vaccine types can be given only to certain age groups.  The Health District will serve each population listed until the vaccine approved for that group is exhausted. Individuals in these groups who have a regular physician should first inquire about availability of vaccine from their private provider. Additional vaccine shipments are anticipated but the amount of vaccine that the Health District will receive is uncertain.

 

For more information online regarding H1N1 influenza, go to the Texas Department of State Health Services at www.TexasFlu.org or to the City of Abilene website, www.abilenetx.com and view the Hot Items sections, located under City Spotlight. Information is also available through 2-1-1 Texas A Call for Help by dialing 2-1-1 or for cell phone users, by dialing 673-8211.

 

 

Come listen to students caroling at the Abilene Zoo

ABILENE, Texas – Abilene Zoo visitors can enjoy Christmas caroling Saturday, December 5, at 1:30 p.m. compliments of the Taylor Elementary 5th Grade Choir. The Choir is directed by Music Specialist, Ms.Terry Graham. 

 

“The children thought it would be a lot of fun to sing to the animals and visitors of the zoo.  We hope everyone will enjoy our caroling,” said Ms. Graham. Taylor’s principal, David Adams added, “I know the kids will do a wonderful job, and are looking forward to a great time at the zoo. Taylor Elementary and the fifth grade class want to wish all in Abilene a very merry Christmas.” The choir will be performing from 1:30 – 2:00 p.m. at the Zoo pavilion.

 

The Abilene Zoo is located in Nelson Park, off Highway 36, at 2070 Zoo Lane. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursdays Memorial Day through Labor Day. The zoo is closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. For more information, please call 325 673-9453.