November News Releases

 

 

November 24, 2009

 

All H1N1 vaccination appointments filled for this week

ABILENE, Texas – The Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District announced today that all 2009 H1N1 vaccination appointments are filled for today, November 24 and Wednesday, November 25.  Additional vaccine is anticipated but the amount of vaccine that the Health District will receive in future shipments remains unknown. The Health District will announce additional clinics upon receipt of future vaccine shipments.

 

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.

 

November 23, 2009

 

Giving Tree spreads holiday joy to Abilene Zoo’s animal

ABILENE, Texas – This holiday season, you can give a special gift to animals that reside at the Abilene Zoo through the Giving Tree. The Giving Tree, located inside the Zoo’s gift shop, is decorated with ornaments featuring a picture of a zoo animal along with a gift idea that would be appropriate for that animal. Visitors can either take the ornament off the tree, purchase the enrichment item listed and turn it in at the gift shop or make a monetary donation. Items on the Giving Tree range in price from less than $1 to over $500. The public can also go online to Amazon’s website, www.amazon.com, and search for the Abilene Zoo’s Wish List to purchase items online.

 

The Giving Tree is on display from now until Christmas, December 25, 2009.

 

In the New Year, the public is invited to attend “Christmas at the Zoo” at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 9, 2010 when the animals will receive their presents donated from the Giving Tree. Stop by the gift shop first for a schedule of events.

 

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.

 

Author to sign book on zoo animals this Friday

 ABILENE, Texas – The Abilene Zoo will host a book signing by Tifane Grayce, author of “Fur In My Paint”, on Friday, November 27, 2009. Visitors can meet the author and purchase a signed copy of the book in the zoo’s gift shop from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The book retails for $35.95. During the book signing, animal painting demonstrations will also take place in the gift shop.

 

“Fur In My Paint” focuses on the importance of animal enrichment in zoos and animal sanctuaries. Several of the paintings featured in the book were created by animals right here at the Abilene Zoo.

 

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.

 

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 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine by appointment only on Tuesday, November 24 and Wednesday, November 25 for the following CDC recommended priority groups:

 

 

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.

 

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 is anticipated but the amount of vaccine that the Health District will receive in future shipments is unknown.

 

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.

 

November 19, 2009

 

Permitting process for Cedar Ridge Reservoir continues

ABILENE, Texas – Due to geologic concerns over the original dam site at the Lambshead Ranch in Throckmorton County, the proposed site of the Cedar Ridge Reservoir is now recommended further upriver in Hendrick Ranch which is located in Shackelford and Throckmorton Counties.  This recommendation was among the updates given on the status of the Cedar Ridge Reservoir permitting and geologic investigations to the City Council during this morning’s workshop. Building a new reservoir is part of the recommended water management strategy to meet the City of Abilene’s and the region’s future water needs.

 

Geologists found that the original dam site contained gypsum which is soluble and typically contains cavities, sinkholes and caves (karst). Dams built upon gypsum karst generally are not able to retain water. An alternative site along the Clear Fork of the Brazos River was then selected  which Fugro Consultants, in a preliminary geotechnical investigation, said was suitable for the planned project. The new dam site will have a capacity of 227,127 acre-feet of water. Estimated costs to build the Cedar Ridge Reservoir range from $215 million to $236 million, depending on the future demands. These costs include the dam/spillway, pipeline/pump station/water treatment plant, land acquisition and contingency/engineering/permitting.

 

There are several more steps before the Cedar Ridge Reservoir becomes a reality. They include:

 

 

The next step is to file a TCEQ Water Rights Permit near the end of 2010, followed by filing a Federal Section 404 Permit Application near the end of 2012. The necessary permits are projected to be obtained by the end of 2018, dependent upon the time necessary for the state and federal agencies to review and issue the permit. The timeline for the reservoir to be actually built is in the distant future, sometime from 2030 to 2060 and beyond, at which time the City Council determines the reservoir is needed to meet water needs.

 

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

ABILENE, Texas – The Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District announced today that it will hold a clinic for 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine on Friday, November 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The clinic will be held in the Health District’s facility at 850 N. 6th Street. The free vaccine will be available to the following CDC recommended priority groups:

 

 

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 clinics will be announced based on the types and amounts of vaccine available. Additional priority groups may be included in subsequent clinics. Additional vaccine is anticipated but the amount of vaccine that the Health District will receive in future shipments is unknown. Individuals in the groups listed with health conditions should call the Health District first at 692-5600 for further information before coming to a clinic.

 

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.

 

Energy savings plan gets financial boost, thanks to new grant

ABILENE, Texas – During this morning’s meeting, the City Council approved acceptance of a $1.132 million Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant. This grant will provide funding for Phase Two of the city’s facility energy efficiency upgrades as well as for the Community Energy Efficiency Incentive Program. The grant was funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), commonly referred to as the federal stimulus.

 

The facility energy efficiency upgrades will include: much needed HVAC mechanical upgrades at the Law Enforcement Center, Abilene Zoo, Animal Control building, the CityLink facility, Abilene Civic Center, Cobb Park Rec Center, Environmental Lab, Hamby Wastewater Treatment Facility, Fire Station #5, Abilene Library, the Rose Park Tennis Center and the Sears Health Building; energy saving lighting occupancy sensors to be installed at City Hall, Law Enforcement Center and the Abilene Civic Center; and state of the art solar panels to be installed at the Abilene Civic Center which will save the City of Abilene money and promote renewable power technology. The grant will provide $1,022,440 in funding for Phase Two.

 

The Community Energy Efficiency Incentive Program will include two components: a compact fluorescent lightbulb (CFL) giveaway program for citizens and an “Energy Star” energy efficient appliance rebate program. The CFL giveaway program will be funded in the amount of $33,118. The rebate program to encourage the replacement of household appliances with newer, more energy efficient models will be funded in the amount of $76,042. More details about how citizens can participate in these programs will be provided when they officially launch.

 

The city-wide long term energy conservation project began in August 2008. Schneider Electric (formerly TAC Energy Solutions) is currently completing Phase One and will implement the Phase Two energy measures. Phase One included: replacing traffic signal lamps and street lighting to make them more energy efficient; a water conservation project involving the installation of ultra-low flush toilets and low-flow aerators at City buildings; the installation of a new boiler at City Hall; programmable thermostats at the recreation centers; and more energy efficient lighting at City facilities.

 

The energy savings plan is projected to save the City nearly $700,000 every year when complete in May 2010. 

 

November 18, 2009

 

Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District receives 1,100 doses of  H1N1 flu vaccine

ABILENE, Texas – The Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District announced today that it has received 1,100 doses of 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine. The shipment included multi-dose vials and single-dose pre-filled syringes. 200 doses of vaccine had been received previously. More shipments of the vaccine are expected over the next few weeks.

 

In order to utilize the vaccine most effectively to address the priority populations identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and to use the types and brands of vaccine that were received correctly, this shipment will be utilized to first vaccinate pregnant women and children 2 years to 5 years old who do not have access to a vaccination from a private physician or other source. Because the vaccine received can only be used for certain age groups, there is a limited amount for 2 and 3 year old children. The vaccine currently on hand cannot be given to children under 2. Women and parents of children in the 2-5 year age group who have a regular physician should first inquire about availability of vaccine from their private provider.

 

A clinic will be held in the Health District’s facility at 850 N. 6th Street on Thursday, November 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Individuals in the identified groups will be given vaccinations appropriate for their age and conditions. Additional clinics will be announced this week based on the amount of vaccine available and the demand at the Thursday clinic. Additional priority groups may be included in subsequent clinics. The amount of vaccine that the Health District will receive in addition to this shipment remains unknown. Women with health conditions as well as parents of children with health conditions should call the Health District first at 692-5600 for further information before coming to a clinic.

 

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.

 

November 13, 2009

 

Civic Center goes blue for diabetes awareness

ABILENE, Texas – Mayor Norm Archibald proclaimed November 14, 2009 as World Diabetes Day in the City of Abilene. In honor of that proclamation the Abilene Civic Center will replace its outside floodlights with blue lights for one night on November 14, 2009 in celebration of World Diabetes Day. The Mayor says “Diabetes is something that has to be worked on all the time and Abilene can combat the disease by making healthy choices and becoming informed about this disease which affects 250 million people worldwide”.

 

 The World Diabetes Day logo is the blue circle, the global symbol for diabetes which was developed as part of the Unite for Diabetes awareness campaign. The logo was adopted in 2007 to mark the passage of the United Nations World Diabetes Day Resolution. The significance of the blue circle symbol is overwhelmingly positive. Across cultures, the circle symbolizes life and health. The color blue reflects the sky that unites all nations and is the color of the United Nations flag. The blue circle signifies the unity of the global diabetes community in response to the diabetes pandemic.

 

The lights are located on the south side of the Civic Center and will be illuminated from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. This event is being conducted in conjunction with Abilene Christian University School of Social Work.

 

November 12, 2009

                                                                                                     

Most City offices closed in observance of Thanksgiving

ABILENE, Texas – Most City of Abilene offices and community service centers will be closed on Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday with the exception of those providing life safety services such as fire and police protection.

 

The Abilene Animal Shelter will be closed November 26 through November 29 for the holiday. Citizens with an animal related emergency should contact the Abilene Police Department at 673-8331 and an Animal Services Officer will be dispatched to handle the call. The shelter will open once again on Monday, November 30 and resume its regular business hours from 9:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m. 

 

Solid Waste Services division offices will not be open November 26 and 27. There will be no residential pickup on Thursday or Friday. There is no commercial container collection on Thursday, November 26. There will be limited commercial container collection on Friday, November 27. There will be no bulk and brush collection on November 26 and 27. The Environmental Recycling Center (ERC) will also be closed Thursday and Friday. The ERC will resume regular business hours on Saturday, November 28.

 

The Municipal Court will also be closed on November 26 and 27. All citations due November 26 and 27 will be due on November 30 with no penalty.

 

Other City closings for November 26 and 27 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.

 

CityLink Transit will not run on November 26. On Friday, November 27, CityLink will operate an abbreviated Fixed Route schedule.

 

The Abilene Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving. The zoo will resume regular hours on Friday, November 27.

 

The Water Services Center, 701 E. Hwy. 80, won’t be open on Thanksgiving. The center will reopen on Friday, November 27, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. For water emergencies, sewer problems and reports of water conservation ordinance violations, citizens may call the Water Services Center’s emergency hotline, 676-6000, seven days a week, 24 hours a day.     

 

November 10, 2009

 

Punt, Pass & Kick team championship qualifier

ABILENE, Texas – The City of Abilene’s Recreation Division is proud to announce the area qualifier for the 2009 Dallas Cowboy’s NFL Punt, Pass & Kick Team Championship to be held Sunday, November 22 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. Derek Scott from Abilene qualified to compete with three others in the 10/11 year old boys division. Each of the first place sectional winners’ scores was compared against winners from the other thirteen sectional competitions held in the North Texas/Southern Oklahoma area during the past few weeks.

 

November 6, 2009

                                                                                                     

Road work on South 27th and Barrow Streets to begin Monday

ABILENE, Texas – Construction crews are scheduled to work on the intersection of South 27th and Barrow Streets from Monday, November 9 through Wednesday, November 18. The work will be as follows:

 

  • Monday, November 9 through Monday, November 16

The south half of the intersection will be closed down while crews work on that side of the intersection. Traffic on South 27th Street will be reduced to one lane in each direction. Barrow Street from South 27th to South 28th Streets will be closed to through traffic during this time.

 

  • Monday, November 16 through Wednesday, November 18

The north half of the intersection will be closed down while crews work on    that side of the intersection. Again, traffic on South 27th Street will be reduced to one lane in each direction. Barrow Street from South 23rd to South 27th Streets will be closed to through traffic during this time.

 

These time frames are estimates. However, all work should be finished during this time, weather permitting.

 

Motorists are asked to exercise patience and caution when driving by the road work zone and watch for construction personnel and equipment. 

 

This road work is part of the ongoing South 27th Street reconstruction project which is funded as one of the 2006 bond projects.

 

November 5, 2009

                                                                                                     

Neith recognized as Keep Texas Beautiful's Volunteer of the Month

ABILENE, Texas – City of Abilene employee Leonard Neith was recently named the Volunteer of the Month for the month of November by Keep Texas Beautiful. Neith has worked in the City’s Environmental Recycling Center (ERC) for the last ten years.

 

“It’s my city, where I live and I like to take care of it,” explained ERC supervisor Leonard Neith about why he volunteers for the many beautification projects. “I really enjoy doing it plus at the ERC, where I work, we have a strong team here that helps keep Abilene beautiful.”

 

On its website, Keep Texas Beautiful noted that Neith regularly puts in numerous hours per week conducting tours of the recycling center as well as volunteering for Keep Abilene Beautiful (KAB). Keep Texas Beautiful pointed out that KAB “can count on his help for every cleanup event it hosts, and he also lends a hand at least three times a year to create KAB floats for local parades. Many Abilenians have also spotted him in costume as Pepe Renew, KAB’s friendly mascot.”

 

To read more about Neith’s recognition, go online to the Keep Texas Beautiful website, http://www.ktb.org/display.aspx?catid=22&pageid=468.

                                                                                                    

City of Abilene water available for Tenaska's request, with conditions

ABILENE, Texas – During this morning’s City Council meeting, Director of Water Utilities Tommy O’Brien told City Council members that the City of Abilene has enough reclaimed water available for current and future customers to meet a water supply request made by Tenaska Trailblazer Partners, LLC, an affiliate of the energy company Tenaska, Inc. However, Tenaska’s reclaimed water request might have to be supplemented periodically during peak demand times with water from other sources.

 

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.

 

O’Brien presented the following summary regarding the availability of reclaimed water:

 

 

Today, Mayor Norm Archibald also announced a public hearing about the Tenaska project will take place following the regularly scheduled agenda items on the December 3, 2009 City Council meeting which will begin at 8:30 a.m. During the public hearing, the City Council will hear from Tenaska representatives as well as from the public. The meeting and public hearing will be held in City Council Chambers at City Hall, 555 Walnut Street.

 

City Council meetings can be viewed periodically on TV Channel 7, the City’s Education/Government Channel. The channel schedule can be found online, www.abilenetx.com/Press/TVschedule.htm. TV Channel 7 is available on Suddenlink Cable Channel 7 and broadcast Channel 7 KXN-TV.

 

On the lookout for SMART volunteers                           

ABILENE, Texas – Answer the call of duty by becoming a volunteer for the Support and Medical Alert Response Team (SMART), a local chapter of the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) that is housed in the Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District. Those involved with SMART (MRC) will work toward improving public health preparedness for the community. This group of volunteers will lead the way in preparing the public for any type of emergency situation from tornadoes to wide-spread illness.

 

All types of skills and services are needed, from physicians and dentists to interpreters, students and clerical staff. Different skill sets will be used efficiently in various public health emergency situations.

 

“Even if you have a desk job but have driven a fork lift in the past, we could use your training in both areas to help move supplies for the public health response or by doing paperwork in an office,” said Charlotte Lambert, the Health District’s health planning coordinator. “Volunteers with medical and non-medical backgrounds are both needed.”

 

Volunteers will meet to train and develop plans. Online training will also be readily available for volunteers to complete at their convenience. Additional perks to this national program are training with neighboring MRC communities such as Nolan County and San Angelo, and receiving top of the line training. The local SMART (MRC) will partner with other volunteer groups such as the American Red Cross, Big Country VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters), and Citizen Corps. Lambert noted that all participants train under the National Incident Management System (NIMS) which is also used by the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, police and fire departments.

 

The national MRC works with units to target and strengthen public health infrastructure within their local communities. It is housed in the U.S. Surgeon General’s Office.

 

For more information about SMART and how to become a volunteer, visit online: www.smartmrc.com.

 

November 4, 2009

                          

Municipal Golf Course Advisory Board discusses alcohol sales

ABILENE, Texas – During this afternoon’s meeting, the Municipal Golf Course Advisory Board unanimously approved making a recommendation to the Planning and Zoning Commission to amend the zoning ordinance that would allow the sale of alcoholic beverages at Maxwell Municipal Golf Course.

 

During the Monday, December 7 meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission will consider making a recommendation to the City Council to amend zoning ordinance chapter 23.3065 (H) (13) to allow alcohol sales at Maxwell. This zoning change for alcohol sales would be considered along with the three locations at Nelson Park that were recommended by the Parks and Recreation Board yesterday. Following the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation, the City Council would then consider whether or not to permit the sale of alcoholic beverages at the City-owned golf course.

 

Depending upon what is decided by the City Council about the zoning amendment, the Municipal Golf Course Advisory Board would have to determine whether or not to actually sell alcohol at Maxwell. Currently, the City of Abilene is providing $6,000 per month to West Texas Golf Systems to operate Maxwell.

 

Maxwell Golf Course, designed with the average golfer in mind, is located at 1002 S. 32nd Street. For more details about the course, go to www.golfmaxwell.com or call 325-692-2737.

 

November 3, 2009

                          

Parks and Recreation Board discuss alcohol sales; dog park at Nelson Park

ABILENE, Texas – During this morning’s meeting, the Parks and Recreation Board approved making a recommendation to the City Council that would allow the sale of alcoholic beverages at fundraisers in Nelson Park. The vote was 4 to 1 with board member James Smith voting against the recommendation. In a similar 4 to 1 vote, the board also approved making a recommendation to the Planning and Zoning Commission to amend the zoning ordinance to allow alcohol sales in Nelson Park.

 

The recommendations only apply to three locations in Nelson Park: the Abilene Zoo within the perimeter fence or the Education Building only, Festival Gardens within the perimeter fence only, and the Adult Softball Complex fields 1-4 within the perimeter fence only.

 

At a future meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission will consider making a recommendation to the City Council to amend zoning ordinance chapter 23.3065 (H) (13) to allow alcohol sales in Nelson Park. Then, at a later date, the City Council will consider amending Chapter 22 Section 22-2(A) of the City Code to allow the sale of alcoholic beverages at these three locations as well as adopting the Park and Recreation Board guidelines for the use and sale of alcoholic beverages in parks. The guidelines cover what is required for a permit to be granted for the sale of beer and wine at these designated locations by City Ordinance. As part of the guidelines, organizations requesting a permit to sell beer and wine would be required to use caterers that are licensed by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). A three-member subcommittee of the Parks and Recreation Board had spent several months reviewing the issue and had met with TABC as well.

 

Earlier today, the Parks and Recreation Board also approved a proposal by The Park People to develop a dog park in Nelson Park to be located across the parking lot from Fort Imagination. The public/private venture would consist of a one acre leash-free fenced area for small dogs and a two acre leash-free fenced area for big dogs. The Park People estimate the dog park, which would include a shelter, benches, trails, water stations and dog waste disposal stations, to cost $155,000 to be raised through fundraising. The Park People also said the dog park would be self policing, with a set of regulations posted about the dog park rules. The City of Abilene would provide the park land and basic maintenance such as mowing. The dog park venture is contingent on an agreement being reached with the City and The Park People. Once an agreement is signed by both parties, The Park People believe the two-phase dog park project will likely take two years to complete.

 

November 2, 2009

 

Holiday season kicks off with Community Christmas Tree Lighting

Update 12/1/09: Mayor Pro Tem Laura Moore will light the tree.

 

ABILENE, Texas – The City of Abilene is pleased to announce that the annual Community Christmas Tree Lighting will take place 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1 at the Abilene Civic Center. Mayor Norm Archibald will light the tree. The public is invited to attend this community-wide celebration of the season.

 

Along with the tree lighting, Abilene High School’s Pure Gold will perform along with the Cooper High School/Abilene High School Combined Orchestras and Revolution. Afterwards, refreshments will be served and Beamer’s Gymnastics group will put on a demonstration in the Exhibit Hall.

 

This event is sponsored by the City of Abilene, Civic Abilene, Inc. and the Abilene Independent School District.

 

The tree lighting caps off the 21st annual City Sidewalks which gets underway earlier in the day with the Reindeer Run Game at 5:30 p.m. Merchants, museums and galleries open their doors for an evening of holiday cheer during this Abilene Downtown Association-sponsored event. Activities include KTXS-TV Christmas Lights Parade entertainment, food, Reindeer Run Game, Gingerbread House Decorating Contest and lots of family fun. The Reindeer Run Game runs from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and the parade kicks off at 6:30 p.m.

 

For additional details about City Sidewalks and the Community Tree Lighting, contact the following:

              1. KTXS-TV (Parade): (325) 677-2281

              2. Wilma Butman (Gingerbread House Decorating Contest): (325) 676-2556

              3. Abilene Civic Center (Tree Lighting): (325) 676-6211