April News Releases


April 30, 2010

Phase Two of Lake Fort Phantom Hill lot sales about to begin

ABILENE, Texas – With Phase One nearly complete, Phase Two of the Lake Fort Phantom Hill lot sales project is scheduled to get underway next month. Phase Two will include the sale of lots owned by the City of Abilene, to current lessees who live on Apache Lane, Northwind Road, Collins Dock Circle, Cool Breeze Circle, Cheyenne Circle and Crows Nest. The Phase Two process will likely take twelve months since the City will need surveying, platting and appraisals done before the lots can be sold.

 

The City began selling leased lots to Lake Fort Phantom Hill residents in Phase One which began September 2009. During Phase One, 25 of the 38 lots offered for sale have either sold or closed with proceeds of $159,200 to date. Phase One involved lots on Comanche Trail and Choctaw Point.

 

During the March 12, 2009 meeting, the City Council amended the Comprehensive Plan to adopt and incorporate the Lake Fort Phantom Hill Neighborhood Plan as a neighborhood plan attachment. The Lake Fort Phantom Hill Neighborhood Plan indicates that the biggest single obstacle to revitalization and development of this area is City of Abilene ownership of the majority of the land.

 

There were originally 342 lots owned by the City and leased to residents in this area.

 

April 29, 2010

 

Abilene police officer killed in traffic accident while on duty

ABILENE, Texas – Abilene Police Motorcycle Officer Rodney Holder, age 50, died today, Thursday, April 29, 2010 from injuries sustained after colliding with another vehicle. Shortly before noon, Officer Holder was attempting to make a traffic stop on his motorcycle northbound on Sayles Boulevard with his emergency lights activated when a southbound vehicle attempted a left turn onto S. 13th Street into Holder’s path. The investigation into the accident is on-going.

 

A Cooper High School graduate, Holder joined the Abilene Police Department as a member of Academy Class # 29 in 1982. During his career, Holder served as a Patrol Officer, SWAT Team member, Detective and since 2005 as a member of the Traffic Division Motorcycle Unit.

 

Holder is survived by his wife, 26-year old daughter, and 13-year old son. 

 

April 28, 2010

 

Join us for fun at the Living Well/Health and Fitness Jambore

ABILENE, Texas – The City of Abilene is teaming up with the Area Agency on Aging National Senior Health and Fitness Day to bring you the Living Well/Health and Fitness Jamboree. The event is happening from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 20, 2010 at the Rose Park Senior Activity Center, 2625 S. 7th. The event is free to attend and adults of all ages are invited.

 

The jamboree will feature a day of fun activities to promote the importance of overall health and fitness for senior citizens. Guests can visit over 30 exhibitor booths such as Prevent Blindness, Renew Home Health, West Texas Rehab and many more. The schedule will also include many activities including square dancing, chair exercises, organic gardening, stress reduction techniques and a Wii demonstration.

 

A carry-out box lunch will be offered at the jamboree for those who have a ticket. Tickets for the lunch are available for pick-up starting today, April 28, 2010 through May 12, 2010 at the Rose Park Senior Activity Center. Tickets will be sold by donation for participants ages 60 and older and are $5 for participants under 60. The box lunch can be taken home, enjoyed inside room B of the activity center or outside.

 

For more information about the Living Well/Health and Fitness Jamboree, call the Rose Park Senior Activity Center at (325) 734-5300.

 

April 27, 2010

 

City of Abilene receives higher bond rating level

ABILENE, Texas – The City of Abilene is pleased to announce that Moody’s Investors Services has changed the City’s bond rating upward from “Aa3” to “Aa2”, effective April 26, 2010. This change reflects Moody’s recalibration of all municipal ratings to their global rating scale.

 

“We’re proud of the recognition that these strong ratings in the “AA” category indicate,” said Director of Finance Mindy Patterson. “The change to a higher rating level will hopefully prove beneficial to interest rates on future debt issues.”

 

The City also has ratings of “AA+” from Standard & Poor’s and “AA” from Fitch Ratings. 

 

April 26, 2010

 

Immunization Carnival offers free immunizations for children

ABILENE, Texas – As part of National Infant Immunization Week, the Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District is supporting the Big Country Immunization Coalition (BCIC) which is providing free childhood immunizations during the Immunization Carnival. The event runs from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 29, 2010 at Festival Gardens, 2070 Zoo Lane, in Abilene.

 

What: Immunization Carnival featuring free immunizations for children

 

When: April 29, 2010/3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

 

Where: Festival Gardens (across from the Abilene Zoo), 2070 Zoo Lane

 

Why: Recognition of National Infant Immunization Week (April 24 – May 1, 2010)

 

Who: Big Country Immunization Coalition

Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District, Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Caring for Children Foundation, Abilene Care Van, Medical Care Mission, 211-United Way, Texas Department of State Health Services, Abilene ISD, Wylie ISD, Texas Medical Association Foundation, Taylor-Jones-Haskell-Callahan County Medical Alliance

 

For additional information, contact:

2-1-1 Texas A Call for Help, call 2-1-1 or for cell phone users, (325) 673-8211

Kay Durilla, Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District, (325) 692-5600

 

May Day Adoption Sale underway this week only at Abilene Animal Shelter

ABILENE, Texas – Thanks to Rescue the Animals, SPCA, a May Day Adoption Sale is underway at the Abilene Animal Shelter this week only. Rescue the Animals, SPCA is providing a $20 mail-in spay/neuter rebate on every animal adopted through the end of the day on Saturday, May 1. This promotional effort is to encourage citizens to come by the animal shelter which remains open to the public during remodeling.

 

During this week’s special, adoption fees are as follows:

 

The animal shelter renovations will include the addition of another 13 dog kennels, expansion of the lobby and repainting the interior of the existing shelter. Currently, the animal shelter has 77 dog kennels divided into three wings. The added lobby space will enhance the adoption experience as well as provide more space to expand the animal shelter’s volunteer program.

 

Funding for this project was approved and obligated from designated capital improvement funds in the 2006 Capital Improvements Plan (CIP). Completion of the facility renovation is expected by mid-July.

 

The shelter is open 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and is closed Sunday and all major holidays. For more information about animal adoptions, contact the Abilene Animal Shelter at (325) 698-0085 or go online to www.abilenetx.com/animal.

 

Early voting underway for joint City/AISD election

ABILENE, Texas – Early voting for the joint City of Abilene and Abilene Independent School District May 8, 2010 election began today and runs through Tuesday, May 4, 2010.

 

There are two City Council places on the ballet:

Councilors serve staggered three year terms with two members up for reelection each year. In City Council Place 5, Stormy Higgins is seeking reelection and is running against Ron Konstantin. In City Council Place 6, Laura Moore is not seeking reelection. Jennifer Grothaus, Kellie Miller, Dennis Regan and Stacey Scaief are Place 6 candidates. 

 

The City Council is the legislative and policy-making body of the City of Abilene, a "home-rule" city, operating under the authority of the city charter, adopted in 1962. The council enacts legislation, adopts the budget, sets the tax rate, determines policies, and approves the Mayor's appointment of the City Manager, City Secretary, City Attorney, Municipal Court Judge, and all Board and Commissions members.

 

In addition, there is a City of Abilene Special Liquor Election on the ballot:

 

During the last session, the Texas legislature amended the Elections Code to enable cities like Abilene to order a city-wide legalization election by means of a municipal resolution rather than requiring a petition to get it on the ballot. Voters approved alcohol sales in Abilene in 1978. This change in wet/dry status would only apply to any dry areas within the city limits, and would not alter any portions currently wet if it is not approved in May.

 

For information about early voting locations and the May 8, 2010 election, contact the Taylor County Elections office at http://www.taylorcountytexas.org/election1.html or call (325) 674-1216.

 

April 22, 2010

 

Budget ordinance and Land Development Code among issues discussed at today’s City Council meeting

ABILENE, Texas – During today’s meeting, the City Council approved an amendment to the budget ordinance that eliminated an Assistant Fire Chief position as part of a cost savings strategy. The estimated annualized savings are approximately $110,000 when considering the salary and benefits associated with the position. The Fiscal Year 2010 budget ordinance provides the number, classification and designation of each position for the Fire and Police Departments. The amended budget ordinance now designates one Assistant Fire Chief position and 170 overall positions in the Fire Department.

 

Also, a final reading and public hearing was held on a proposal to adopt the Land Development Code (LDC). The City Council voted unanimously to approve the LDC as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The City Council made the recommendation that property proposed for rezoning should have additional notification to include the posting of a sign on the property in consideration. Right now, property owners who are within the 200’ notification area are mailed notices of the rezoning proposal. Planning and Development Services staff will now draft details concerning the signage and present this recommendation as well as additional minor changes to the LDC to the Planning and Zoning Commission for further review. Once approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission, these amendments will then be presented to the City Council at a later date. The LDC, that was approved today, will become effective on June 1, 2010. A land development code is an ordinance regulating land development which will replace the City of Abilene’s existing and separate zoning and subdivision ordinances. It creates legally binding regulations.

 

The City Council also approved the first reading of an amendment to the City Code and AO (Agricultural Open Space) Zoning District that would allow the sale of alcoholic beverages at invitation only fundraisers at the Abilene Zoo after-hours as well as adopt the Park and Recreation Board guidelines for the use and sale of alcoholic beverages at this particular venue. The zoning amendment would also allow for alcohol sales within AO zoning at golf courses. A second reading and public hearing is scheduled to take place during the Thursday, May 13, 2010 City Council meeting.

 

The Abilene Police Department can now also purchase Electronic Control Devices (ECDs). The City Council approved the purchase of 53 Tasers and associated equipment. The total cost is $54,523.13 which will be paid for through Patrol Seized Funds. 

 

City Council meetings are shown live and re-air Mondays at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 8:00 a.m. on TV Channel 7 which is available on Suddenlink Cable Channel 7 and broadcast channel 7 on KXN-TV. DVD copies of the meetings are also available for check-out at the Abilene Public Library’s main location, 202 Cedar Street.

 

City of Abilene accepting applications for Federal HUD Grants

ABILENE, Texas – The City of Abilene Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS) is currently accepting applications for funding of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnerships Grant (HOME) from interested non-profit organizations in Abilene. Applications may be obtained via the City of Abilene website, www.abilenetx.com/ONS/forms.htm, or at the ONS, located in City Hall, 555 Walnut Street, Room 206. Applications must be returned to the ONS no later than 12:00 noon on Friday, May 21, 2010.

 

The application must address one of the national objectives of CDBG/HOME grants which are determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and must be consistent with the goals and objectives of the Consolidated Plan. The application must also comply with the CDBG/HOME Funding Guidelines approved by the Abilene City Council on July 10, 1997.

 

If you have any questions, call the Office of Neighborhood Services at (325) 676-6366.

 

April 21, 2010

 

Cobb Park Recreation Center to host “lock-in” as well as country dance 

ABILENE, Texas – Cobb Park Recreation Center is hosting the Cobb Lock-In overnight on Friday, April 30 at 8:00 p.m. and ending Saturday, May 1 at 8 a.m. Kids, ages 6 to 13, are welcome to spend the night at Cobb where there will be food, games, a Wii tournament, door prizes and more. The cost is $10 per child. To reserve a spot, call the recreation center by 12 p.m. Friday, April 30 at 325-676-6447.

 

Later in May, the recreation center is hosting a classic country dance featuring local band “Muddy Creek”. The dance runs from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Friday, May 14. Admission is $5 per person.

 

The Cobb Park Recreation Center is located at 2302 State Street. For information about these events and other activities, go online to http://www.abilenetx.com/Recreation/cobb.htm or call 325-676-6447. 

 

April 20, 2010

 

Contest to determine who has the best tasting water

ABILENE, Texas – The Texas Water Utilities Association’s 42nd annual Central West Texas Regional School will hold the “Best Tasting Water Contest” at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 in the main foyer of the Abilene Civic Center at 1100 N. 6th Street. Several staff members from the City of Abilene’s Water Utilities Department are helping coordinate the contest.

 

Public water systems are encouraged to enter their water in the contest by contacting Gail Worley at the Environmental Lab at (325) 676-6041 no later than Wednesday, April 28, 2010. Contestants must be public water systems that actually treat the drinking water themselves and have at least one representative who is a member of the Texas Water Utilities Association (TWUA).

 

The judges, who are members in good standing with the TWUA, will look for specific taste qualities when determining the award winners. The categories for the contest are:

 

              Best Ground Water, population greater than 10,000

              Best Ground Water, population less than 10,000

              Best Surface Water, population greater than 10,000

              Best Surface Water, population less than 10,000

              Best Overall Tasting Water

 

The contest winners will be announced during a Central West Texas Regional School luncheon at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 5 on the exhibition floor of the Abilene Civic Center.

 

The TWUA Central West Texas Regional School provides training for area and regional water and wastewater employees for licensing.

 

April 15, 2010

 

2010-2014 Goals & Objectives for Consolidated Plan to be presented at public hearing

ABILENE, Texas – The City of Abilene Office of Neighborhood Services Advisory Council (ONSAC) will present the proposed 2010-2014 Goals & Objectives for the Consolidated Plan during the April 22, 2010 City Council meeting. The Consolidated Plan is a requisition for receiving Community Development Block Grant and HOME funds through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). A public hearing will follow.

 

Beginning in February of this year, the ONSAC held a series of meetings to solicit input from citizens, service providers, businesses, nonprofit organizations and neighborhood residents. This input was used to develop and prioritize community needs in four different areas: housing, homelessness and other special needs, economic development, and community and neighborhood development.

 

City planners will use the adopted Goals & Objectives to help formulate the City’s five-year plan. The plan will include guidance on how to possibly allocate over $10 million in federal CDBG and HOME funds for future projects and programs in Abilene. This citizen input, along with extensive research data, will be used to complete the five-year priority plan which will be presented for Council approval in August.

 

Community organizations and citizens are encouraged to attend the public hearing at the City Council meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 22, 2010, commencing at 8:30 a.m. in City Council Chambers on the second floor of Abilene City Hall, 555 Walnut Street.

 

For more information, contact the Planning and Development Services Department at (325) 676-6383.

 

April 14, 2010

 

Rabies case confirmed within Abilene city limits

ABILENE, Texas – The City of Abilene’s Animal Services division announced today that there is a positive case of rabies in a skunk found in north central Abilene. The specimen was confirmed by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Animals Services has also quarantined two dogs that came into contact with the skunk.

                                                         

Animal Services recommends the following tips to help alleviate the potential danger of rabies:

 

Rabies is a virus disease of the central nervous system. It can be transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal or through the saliva of a rabid animal being introduced into a fresh scratch or similar skin break and rarely by other routes. Saliva in contact with unbroken skin or even on a scratch wound over 24 hours old (one where a scab has formed) usually won’t require anti-rabies treatment. You should immediately see a doctor if you have been bitten and think the animal could be rabid.

 

In case of contact with a potentially rabid animal in city limits, call:

Animal Services: 325-698-0085 (regular hours) or 325-673-8331 (after hours)

 

Visit the Abilene Zoo to celebrate Earth/Enrichment Day

ABILENE, Texas – Come celebrate Earth/Enrichment Day at the Abilene Zoo from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 24, 2010. This is a day for visitors to learn more about conservation, the environment and animal enrichment. The festivities include keeper chats, held every 45 minutes, in which visitors can pose questions to zoo keepers. Zoo guests can also visit animal information stations overseen by local schoolchildren, watch animals interact with enrichment items made from recycled materials, take part in interactive children’s activities, receive recycling tips and check out an assortment of booths featuring Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, Keep Abilene Beautiful, Wylie Independent School District and more.

 

Stop by the zoo’s gift shop that morning for a full list of Earth/Enrichment Day activities. For more information about the event, call the Abilene Zoo at (325) 676-6085.

 

Earth Day is a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment. April 22, 2010 will mark the 40th anniversary of the event that is celebrated each year by over 190 countries around the world.

 

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. From June through August, the Abilene Zoo is open late from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursdays for the Sunset Safari Concert Series. The zoo is closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

 

April 13, 2010

 

Parks and Recreation Board recommends allowing alcohol sales at invitation-only fundraisers held at Abilene Zoo

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 invitation-only fundraising events at the Abilene Zoo after hours. The vote was five to one with board member James Smith voting against the recommendation. The City Council will now consider the recommendation during its April 22, 2010 meeting.

 

Today’s recommendation applies to events held at the Abilene Zoological Gardens within the perimeter fence or the Education Building only, during non-public hours. The original recommendation, made by the Parks and Recreation Board in November 2009, had applied 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. The Parks and Recreation Board revisited the issue after the City Council tabled the proposal during its January 14, 2010 meeting. City Council members voiced concerns over the park locations, security, and the hours of allowing beer and wine to be consumed.

 

During next week’s meeting, the City Council will consider amending Chapter 22 Section 22-2 of the City Code to allow the sale of alcoholic beverages at fundraisers at the Abilene Zoo as well as adopting the Park and Recreation Board guidelines for the use and sale of alcoholic beverages at this particular venue. The guidelines cover what is required for a permit to be granted for the sale of beer and wine during fundraisers at the zoo 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). The Parks and Recreation Board may deny any permit for this activity if, in its judgment, the activity is inappropriate to the zoo setting or may conflict with other events in the park.

 

Madison Middle School to receive Keep Abilene Beautiful award

ABILENE, Texas – Keep Abilene Beautiful (KAB) will award the Project Recycle Award for 2010 to Madison Middle School during a special ceremony next week. The recognition consists of a $2,000 prize to help further the school’s recycling efforts, a plaque and a reception in the school’s honor.

 

The award ceremony will take place at the Madison Middle School campus, located at 3145 Barrow Street, on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 beginning at 1:00 p.m. Members of the KAB Board and Abilene Independent School Board are invited to attend. KAB mascot Pepe ReNew will also make an appearance.

 

KAB gives the award every year to a school which demonstrates exceptional environmental awareness and participation.

 

April 12, 2010

 

City offices closed for another furlough day on Friday, April 23

ABILENE, Texas – Since the City of Abilene is experiencing a challenging financial situation due to declining sales tax revenue, City offices will be closed for its second furlough day this fiscal year on Friday, April 23, 2010 with the exception of those providing life safety services such as fire and police protection. Nearly all employees, including civil service personnel, non-civil service personnel and City Council appointees, are taking part in the mandatory day off without pay. Because the City provides a numbers of essential services that must operate without interruption, some employees are having their furlough day on a different day. The furlough program, with an approximate cost savings of $161,570 per day, is part of an effort to reduce operational costs.

 

The Abilene Animal Shelter will be closed April 23. 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. Any animal that is picked up as a stray during the furlough will be attended to at the shelter. The Animal Shelter will re-open on Saturday, April 24 at 10 a.m. to resume normal business hours. 

 

The Solid Waste Services offices and the Environmental Recycling Center (ERC) will be closed on Friday, April 23. There will be no residential collection or bulk and brushy pickups on April 23. The commercial section will run limited collections on April 23.

 

The Municipal Court will be closed on Friday, April 23. All citations due April 23 will be due on Monday, April 26 with no penalty.

 

Other City closings for April 23 include: City Hall, the Water Office, Health Division, all Abilene Public Library locations, the Development Corporation of Abilene, the Airport Administration Office and City Recreation and Senior Citizen centers.

 

CityLink Transit will run regular hours on April 23. The Abilene Zoo will remain open on April 23. The Abilene Civic Center will be open for events taking place on April 23.

 

The Water Services Center, 701 E. Hwy. 80, will be open on April 23, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., to take delinquent payments for customers whose water has been turned off and for new customers needing water service. 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.

 

The City of Abilene has scheduled a third furlough day for Friday, July 2.     The City’s first furlough day took place on Friday, March 19.

 

April 10, 2010

 

A record turnout for Mayor’s 5K Run/Walk/Wheel

ABILENE, Texas – The 7th annual Mayor’s 5K Run/Walk/Wheel had record attendance with a total of 603 people, including Mayor Norm Archibald, participating in today’s event. 428 people took part in the 5K while 175 signed on for the 1-Mile Family Fun Run in downtown Abilene. The Mayor’s 5K kicked off at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 10, 2010 beginning and finishing at the Abilene Civic Center, 1100 N. 6th Street.

 

The overall male finisher is Jeremie Perry with a total running time of 17:23.0. The overall female winner is Brittany Brown with a total running time of 20:08.4. Additional race results can be found online through RunTIME Racing Services, which provided the event timing, at http://www.runtimeracingservices.com.

 

Organizers attribute this year’s record-setting attendance to moving the start/finish of the event from City Hall to the Abilene Civic Center, great sponsorship support and wonderful weather. Last year’s event had 422 participants which set a record for attendance at that time.

 

All proceeds from today’s Mayor’s 5K Run/Walk/Wheel will benefit the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness.

 

The Mayor's 5K Run/Walk/Wheel and Family Fun Run are sponsored by the City of Abilene, Mayor's Council on Physical Fitness, Abilene Runners Club and Junior League of Abilene's Kids in the Kitchen.

 

Photographs from the event will be available online by Tuesday, April 13, 2010 on the Mayor’s 5K Abilene Facebook page. Go to www.facebook.com and search for Mayor’s 5K Abilene.

 

April 6, 2010

Groundbreaking for new FAA control tower to be held this Thursday  

ABILENE, Texas – The public is invited to attend the 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 8, 2010 groundbreaking for the new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airport traffic control tower at Abilene Regional Airport. The groundbreaking will take place at the new control tower site located east of the airport’s terminal through Gate 5 between the terminal and EASI Logistic. Speakers at the groundbreaking will include Mayor Norm Archibald, U.S. Representative Randy Neugebauer (R-TX) and Deborah Johnson with the FAA. Parking will be free in the terminal parking lot.

 

The FAA said it recently awarded a $9.24 million contract for the project which is solely funded by the FAA. The new 140-foot-tall tower will be located on 3.26 acres of land east of the existing tower to allow for proper fencing and security as well as to give tower personnel an optimum view of the entire airfield. It will replace a 62-foot-tall facility that was commissioned almost 49 years ago and is leased from the City of Abilene.

 

According to the FAA, the new tower will have a 395 square-foot tower cab, 45 square-feet larger than the current tower. A 9,000 square-foot building at the base of the tower will house administrative offices as well as provide ample room for training and other air-traffic related activities. Last year, the control tower handled 67,092 takeoffs, landings and overflights.

 

The new facility will be built by MW Builders of Texas Inc., of Temple, Texas. Construction is expected to begin in the coming weeks, with commissioning in late 2012.

 

April 5, 2010

 

Mayor’s 5K Run/Walk/Wheel on tap for this Saturday

ABILENE, Texas – It’s not too late to take part in the 7th annual Mayor’s 5K Run/Walk/Wheel and one-mile Family Fun Run. Participants can register all this week including the morning of the family-friendly event which gets underway just before 8 o’clock this Saturday, April 10, 2010 at the Abilene Civic Center on 1100 N. 6th Street.

 

The Wheelchair event will begin at 7:55 a.m. followed by the chip timed 5K Run/Walk/Wheel at 8:00 a.m. The one-mile Family Fun Run will take place after the 5K at 8:45 a.m. to allow 5K participants to join their families and friends in the fun run.

 

Formerly known as the Mayor’s Round-Up, the Mayor’s 5K Run/Walk/Wheel will take participants through a downtown Abilene course that begins and ends at the Abilene Civic Center. Registration fees for the 5K Run/Walk/Wheel is $23 for adults, $15 for children ages 10 through 18, free for ages 9 and below, and $50 for a family up to 4. Participation in the Family Fun Run is free but participants are asked to pre-register in order to guarantee each contestant a t-shirt. All proceeds from the Mayor’s 5K Run/Walk/Wheel will benefit the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness.

 

The Mayor's 5K Run/Walk/Wheel and Family Fun Run are sponsored by the City of Abilene, Mayor's Council on Physical Fitness, Abilene Runners Club and Junior League of Abilene's Kids in the Kitchen.

 

For more information and to register online, visit http://www.abilenetx.com/Press/Mayors5K.htm or call (325) 676-6246.

 

April 2, 2010

 

Keep Abilene Beautiful places second in prestigious statewide environmental competition- ABILENE, Texas – Keep Abilene Beautiful (KAB) received honors from Keep Texas Beautiful by taking second place in Category 9 (population 90,001 to 180,000) for the 2010 Governor’s Community Achievement Award (GCAA).

 

KAB Coordinator Alexis Rolfe said, “Abilene continues to shine in its efforts to beautify the Big Country. This is the fifth year in a row Abilene has placed in the top 3. It is through the work of our dedicated volunteers that Abilene is able to achieve a 2nd place award in such a competitive category.”

 

For the 2010 GCAA in Category 9, Sugar Land captured 1st place, Abilene placed 2nd and Lewisville 3rd. The Category 9 winner receives $290,000 in prize money from the Texas Department of Transportation for landscaping projects along state-maintained highways in their community. Keep Texas Beautiful chooses one community from each of the ten population categories for their efforts in cultivating a grassroots environmental program.

 

Abilene won 3rd place in the 2009 GCAA, tied for 2nd place in 2008, won 3rd place in 2007 and 2nd place in 2006. In 2001, Abilene earned a 1st place ranking and worked with the Texas Department of Transportation to construct the buffalo entrances to the city. Abilene also won first place in 1992 with the winnings going to the entrances on Business 80/Judge Ely Blvd. and State Highway 36/Judge Ely Blvd.; and in 1996 with the award money going to the traffic circle on Business 80/North 1st and South 1st Streets.

 

 

Energy Efficiency Appliance Rebate Program begins this month

ABILENE, Texas – Now is a great time to replace your household appliances with newer, more energy efficient ones while getting money back. The City of Abilene’s Energy Efficiency Appliance Rebate Program for residents gets underway this month. Citizens are urged to act quickly and sign up on the State of Texas’ website, http://www.texaspowerfulsmart.org/rebate/, starting Wednesday, April 7, 2010 since the appliance rebates are expected to go quickly. The City was awarded $76,042 for the appliance rebate program through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant. The grant is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), commonly referred to as the federal stimulus.

 

Here are the appliance rebate program guidelines:

 

The City’s appliance rebate program will be based on the State of Texas “Texas Trade Up Appliance Rebate Program”. More information on the State program can be found at: http://www.texaspowerfulsmart.org/rebate/.

 

Who Qualifies?

City of Abilene residents with a valid Abilene residential address qualify for a rebate if they follow all program rules established under the State program, as well as the City of Abilene program. Participants can be a property owner or renter.

 

You must replace an older, functional appliance for a new ENERGY STAR or CEE qualified model to receive a rebate check. You can qualify for one rebate per appliance category (for instance, you may not qualify for two refrigerator rebates) and up to two appliance rebates per household. Appliances must be purchased from a retail location or contractor located within the City of Abilene. Online purchases or purchases made outside the city limits are not eligible. All payments will be mailed to the residential address, with no exceptions. P.O. Boxes are not accepted without a street address.

 

To be eligible for the City program, residents must first apply for and receive a qualifying rebate from the State. Upon submission of documentation of a qualifying purchase and receipt of the State rebate, the City of Abilene will match the state rebate dollar for dollar, excluding the bonus for recycling the existing appliance, but the combination of both rebates cannot exceed 75% of the purchase price of the appliance. In addition, City rebates will be limited to a maximum of $600 per residential address and per individual applicant.

 

When to Purchase?

Appliances may be purchased beginning April 16, 2010.  A State Rebate can be reserved by registering online at http://www.texaspowerfulsmart.org/rebate/ beginning on April 7.

 

What Appliances are Eligible?

The State website lists all eligible energy efficient appliances, as well as the rebate amounts.  City rebates are subject to available funding and will be provided to citizens on a first come, first served basis until all available funding has been exhausted.

 

Who to Contact?

For questions, please contact the City of Abilene Planning & Development Services Department at (325) 676-6237.