Adoptions planned for horses seized from Abilene stables
ABILENE, Texas – The adoption process for 15 horses seized from an Abilene resident’s stables will begin this week. On Tuesday, July 28, Justice of the Peace Ronny Doan ruled that the three male/stud adult horses, one Shetland pony, two mares with stud foals, one gelded adult horse and six adult mares involved in the animal cruelty case are now the property of Animal Services. The adoption fee for the horses is $100 each. Qualified adopters will be entered into a random drawing that will take place 9:00 a.m. Monday, August 3 until all the animals are adopted.

The public may preview the horses on Thursday, July 30 until 6:00 p.m. and Friday, July 31 from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Abilene Animal Shelter, 925 S. 25th Street. All potential adopters will need to provide current photo identification and a driver’s license number for a background check as well as veterinarian information. Each qualified person will be placed on an adoption list and assigned a number during the preview period. On Monday, August 3, random numbers will be drawn. The individual whose number is drawn will have the opportunity to adopt up to two horses or a mare and foal. The adopter will have the first choice of the remaining horses and be given 30 minutes to decide which animal(s) to adopt. After the adoption fee is paid, the adopter has 24 hours to pick up the horse(s) from Animal Services.

On July 18, 2009, Animal Services along with the Abilene Police Department and the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office seized the animals from stables located on the 4600 block of Pine Street.

City Council gives preliminary approval to the proposed Fiscal Year 2010 budget
ABILENE, Texas – During this morning’s budget workshop, the City Council gave preliminary approval to the revised Fiscal Year 2008-2009 (FY 09) and proposed Fiscal Year 2009-2010 (FY 10) City of Abilene budgets. A first reading of the tax levy and budget ordinances took place during today’s workshop. Mayor Norm Archibald gave high praise to City staff for coming together and bringing forth a well developed, balanced budget during challenging economic times.

FY 10 projections had shown a potential $1.6 million dollar shortfall which could have resulted in layoffs and cuts in programs. City Manager Larry Gilley gave credit to the Abilene Professional Fire Fighters Association and the Abilene Police Officers Association which both delayed scheduled pay raises in FY 10, a savings of $600,000; 20 City employees who are participating in a voluntary retirement incentive program in which they’ll retire by the end of July, a savings of $800,000; and City departments for cutting $2.3 million from their revised and proposed budgets.

The revised FY 09 budget is $69,918,760 and the proposed FY 10 budget is $70,570,710.

Here are highlights of the proposed FY 10 budget:

• 2% growth in the sales tax revenue over FY 09 is projected. 1.5% growth is anticipated for FY 09.
• Slight increase in the tax rate to pay for voter-approved bonds. The proposed property tax rate of 69.32 cents reflects a .0078 cent increase per $100 assessed valuation. This increase is due to the bonds approved by voters in May 2006 that will be sold in August 2009. For the average home value of $83,783, this would amount to an annual increase of $6.53.
• Adjustment in water and sewer rates. A 10% increase in the water and sewer consumption based charges is proposed. This is intended to cover new costs associated with permitting the Cedar Ridge Reservoir, inflationary pressure on operational costs and efforts to stabilize the Department’s fund balance. There is no change to the reclaim water rate.
• A paramedic training program for the Abilene Fire Department. The 13-month long program would train approximately 48 firefighters to the paramedic level.
• 2% across the board compensation adjustment to non-civil service personnel, effective March 30, 2010.

The City Council also gave preliminary approval to Mayor Archibald’s proposal to give 1% of the motel/hotel sales tax to Frontier Texas! which also serves as Abilene’s Visitor Center. As a result, the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau would receive 49% instead of 50% of this particular tax on room stays at Abilene hotels and motels. Recently, the Abilene-Taylor County Events Venue District Board decided that the Taylor County Expo Center would receive 30% of the venue tax, resulting in Frontier Texas! receiving 2% less of this particular revenue source.

The first public hearing on the proposed tax increase will take place August 13, 2009 in City Council Chambers at City Hall, 555 Walnut Street. This will be followed by a second public hearing on the proposed tax increase on August 27, 2009. A second reading, public hearing and vote on the budget ordinance and proposed tax levy are scheduled for September 10, 2009.

The budget workshops began yesterday, July 21, at 1:30 p.m. and concluded by 11 a.m. today, July 22. A third day of budget workshops, originally scheduled for tomorrow, July 23, has been cancelled. However, the regularly scheduled City Council meeting for tomorrow, July 23, will begin at 8:30 a.m.

Adoptions delayed for animals seized from Abilene resident’s home
ABILENE, Texas – The adoptions of the animals seized from an Abilene resident’s home have been delayed. Legal details continue to be worked out with the court, concerning the adoption agreements for the 32 chickens, eight horses, one bull and one heifer involved. Animal Services expects to begin the adoption process in the near future.

Yesterday, Justice of the Peace A.L. Deatherage ruled that the animals involved in the animal cruelty case are now the property of Animal Services. On June 18, 2009, Animal Services along with the Abilene Police Department and the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office seized the animals from a home on the 2100 block of Huckleberry Lane. Police continue their investigation into criminal animal cruelty charges.

Animals seized from Abilene resident’s home go up for adoption tomorrow
ABILENE, Texas – The 60-plus animals, which were seized from an Abilene resident’s home, are available for adoption, starting tomorrow, July 16. During this morning’s court hearing, Justice of the Peace A.L. Deatherage ruled that the 54 roosters and chickens, eight horses including four mares, one pregnant mare and three colts, one bull and one heifer involved in the animal cruelty case are now the property of Animal Services. Animal Services will allow the public to preview these animals from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. tomorrow at the Abilene Animal Shelter, 925 S. 25th Street. Adoptions will then begin at 2:00 p.m. tomorrow.

The adoption process is a first come, first service system in which the prospective owner must be present to adopt the animals. Animal Services will only place a name on an adoption list when the person comes to preview the animals. No phone calls will be accepted. Once the adoption is approved, owners have 24 hours to pick up the animal.

The adoption fee for the horses and cattle is $100 per head; the mare and colts will be adopted together as three separate pairs. The roosters and chickens are $3 each.

On June 18, 2009, Animal Services along with the Abilene Police Department and the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office seized the animals from a home on the 2100 block of Huckleberry Lane. Police continue their investigation into criminal animal cruelty charges.

Animal Services staff members thank the public and Rescue the Animals, SPCA for donating food to help feed these animals while in their care.

Rabies case confirmed
ABILENE, Texas – Animal Services has confirmed a positive case of rabies in a bobcat in northwest Abilene. The specimen was confirmed by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Animal Services is recommending the following for citizens to help alleviate the potential danger of this disease:

• Immunize all dogs and cats over the age of four months.
• Keep all pets confined in a secure enclosure or on a leash while walking.
• Immediately report any wild animals exhibiting unusual behavior.

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.

Here are contact phone numbers:
City of Abilene Animal Services: 325-698-0085 (regular hours) or 325-673-8331 (after hours)

Free admission at both City of Abilene pools this Friday, thanks to Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness
ABILENE, Texas – The Mayor's Council on Physical Fitness is sponsoring another FREE pool day at Rose Park and Stevenson Park Pools on Friday, July 17. Pools will be open from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Space is limited so come early.

The City of Abilene pools are located:

       Rose Park Pool
       2642 S. 9th
       (325) 676-6484

       Stevenson Pool
       541 E.N. 7th
       (325) 676-6485

For additional details about the free pool day, go online to the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness website, www.myfitnessabilene.com.

Earlier this month, the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness sponsored a similar “free swim” event. 580 people took advantage of the free city pool admission on July 4. That’s nearly double the typical pool attendance. Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness Chair Pug Parris said the intent is for more people to come out to the pools and become physically active through swimming.

Admission is normally $2/person at Rose Park Pool. For Stevenson Park Pool, admission for ages 6-15 is 50 cents, $1.00 for ages 16 and over, and children age five and under are free with a paying parent or legal guardian.

The Mayor's Council on Physical Fitness was established in March 2008 by Mayor Norm Archibald to help build a healthier community. The Mayor's Council on Physical Fitness assists in the development and support of ongoing physical fitness programs, annual fitness campaigns and educational outreach that are designed to meet the fitness and wellness needs of the community.

Buffalo Gap Road neighborhood recycling drop-off site to close temporarily for improvements
ABILENE, Texas – The neighborhood drop-off site for recyclables, located underneath the water tower on Buffalo Gap Road near Rebecca Lane, will close temporarily starting Tuesday, July 14, 2009. During this time, work will be performed to improve site drainage and the current gravel surface will be replaced with asphalt pavement. The work will take up to four weeks to complete.

While the improvements are being made, residents who normally use this facility are asked to use the drop-off site on Southwest Drive across from Super Wal-Mart.

Promotion ceremony planned for new police chief next week
ABILENE, Texas – A swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed Abilene Police Chief Stan Standridge is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 15 at the Law Enforcement Center, 450 Pecan Street. Yesterday, the Abilene City Council unanimously confirmed the appointment of Standridge as police chief of the Abilene Police Department.

City Manager Larry Gilley recommended to the City Council that Standridge, who had been an Assistant Police Chief, be appointed as police chief. The position was open following the May 31, 2009 retirement of Melvin Martin who served more than 40 years with the department. There were three other internal candidates. Jim Berry, who was not a candidate for the position, served as the interim chief.

City Council Budget Workshops to air on TV Channel 7 
ABILENE, Texas – The City Council Budget Workshops, scheduled for later this month, will air live on TV Channel 7, the City’s education and government channel. The budget workshops are scheduled for Tuesday, July 21 from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 22 from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and if needed, Thursday, July 23 beginning at 1:30 p.m.

TV Channel 7 is available on Suddenlink Cable Channel 7 or on broadcast Channel 7 KXN-TV.

The workshops, which are open to the public, will take place in City Council Chambers at City Hall, 555 Walnut Street.

The proposed budget fiscal year 2010 is also available for viewing online here.

City of Abilene employees award student scholarships
ABILENE, Texas – During the City Council meeting on July 9, 2009, Mayor Norm Archibald presented the Employee Scholarship Fund Awards to six students whose parents are employed by the City of Abilene. The graduating seniors each received a $1,000 college scholarship which they can use at the college of their choice.

The students, who are winners of the City of Abilene Employee Scholarship Awards for 2009, are:

• Austin Lee Clark. Austin is the son of Randell Clark, Firefighter in Tactical Operations. He graduated from Clyde High School with a 98.74 GPA. Austin plans on attending Cisco Junior College, with his major interests in Math and Technology.
• Clint Seth Frazier. Clint is the son of Jim Frazier, Assistant Fire Chief in Tactical Operations. He graduated from Jim Ned High School with a 98.36 GPA. Clint plans on attending Texas Tech University to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Kirra Nikole Glenn. Kirra is the daughter of Suzanne Glenn, Sanitarian in Community Development. She graduated from Caddo Parish Magnet High School in Shreveport, Louisiana with a 94.00 GPA. Kirra plans on attending Louisiana State University’s pre-med program to pursue a medical degree.
• Riley Sterling Kidd. Riley is the son of Ronnie Kidd, Managing Director for Administration. He graduated from Abilene High School with a 101.43 GPA. Riley plans on attending the University of Texas at Austin to pursue a degree in Business.
• Jessica Rae Pope. Jessica is the daughter of Russell Pope, Firefighter in Tactical Operations. She graduated from Abilene High School with a 99.53 GPA. Jessica plans on attending Hardin-Simmons University to pursue a degree in music.
• Zachary Thomas Vines. Zachary is the son of Lance Vines, Police Officer in the Youth Division. He graduated from Cooper High School with a 95.22 GPA. Zachary plans on attending Abilene Christian University to pursue a degree to become a children/youth minister.

For the last 18 years, City employees have been contributing money out of their pay checks to help support the dependents of their co-workers with higher education expenses. Graduating high school seniors, who are dependents of City employees, submit an application form. The scholarship applications are then reviewed by a panel of local college counselors and educators.

Since this program was implemented, City employees have contributed over $83,000 and have awarded 86 scholarships to dependents of City employees.

Apply now for City University
ABILENE, Texas – Citizens have until Friday, September 4, 2009, to submit an application for the 2009-2010 session of City University. The program runs for 9 months with the first class beginning on Thursday, September 17. This session is limited to 30 people.

Managing Director for Administration Ronnie Kidd explained, “This is a great way for citizens to learn first-hand the inner workings of local government. They go behind the scenes of City of Abilene facilities, find out how various divisions operate and meet City employees who deliver the services they count on throughout the year.” 

The community leadership program is a way for participants to become better informed about City services and processes, learn how to access government and elected officials, and explore the value of serving on City boards and commissions.

City University applications can be obtained on the City’s website at www.abilenetx.com or at 555 Walnut Street, Room 101, Abilene, TX. Tuition is $50 which helps cover the entire 9 month program, light meals, all handout materials and a City University shirt. 

City Manager to recommend Stan Standridge as next Police Chief
ABILENE, Texas – During this Thursday’s City Council meeting, City Manager Larry Gilley will recommend to the City Council that Assistant Police Chief Stan Standridge should serve as the next police chief of the Abilene Police Department. Melvin Martin, who served the City of Abilene for more than 40 years and the last 15 years as police chief, retired on May 31, 2009. Jim Berry, who was not a candidate for the position, has been the interim chief since Martin retired.

"I am deeply honored to continue serving this community," Stan Standridge noted. "I love Abilene, and I have considered it home since 1991. Chief Melvin Martin left our department in great shape, after having worked closely with the community. I will continue this legacy. We are better together!”

Standridge joined the Abilene Police Department as a patrolman in 1995. His law enforcement career includes serving as the department’s community services division manager, internal affairs investigator/SWAT team leader, advanced ethics trainer, master peace officer and assistant police chief. Standridge co-founded Brothers in Blue, a support group for police employees, and graduated from City University, class 2008-2009. He also served in the United States Air Force as a security specialist. Standridge attended the FBI National Academy as well as Leadership Command College through Sam Houston University in Huntsville, Texas. He anticipates graduating with a bachelor of arts from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas in May 2010.

“We had outstanding police chief candidates from within the organization,” explained City Manager Larry Gilley. “Having these high quality, internal finalists speaks to the overall excellence of our police department. Stan will continue to uphold the department’s reputation for professionalism, collaboration and community focus. His strong leadership and commitment to teamwork will be the guiding force for providing the best police force possible.”

The three other finalists for the position were Assistant Police Chief Ken Merchant, Lieutenant Mike Perry and Lieutenant Tracy Weems.

Standridge will be named Police Chief of the Abilene Police Department this Thursday, July 9, pending City Council approval. Stan is married to his wife, Susan, and they have two teenage daughters, Megan and Emily. 

National Therapeutic Recreation Week
ABILENE, Texas – In celebration of National Therapeutic Recreation Week (July 13 – 17), Adaptive Recreation Services is hosting several events including a dance with special guests, Push America. Push America cyclists have been riding across the country on behalf of people with disabilities since 1988.

Here is a schedule of events taking place at Adaptive Recreation Services, 2609 South 7th Street in Rose Park:

• All week long – The public can participate in a silent auction which ends on Friday, July 17 at 2 p.m. The proceeds will benefit Adaptive Recreation Services (ARS) in enhancing the daily programs for ARS participants.
• Tuesday, July 14, at 12:30 p.m. – Speakers will share how Adaptive Recreation Services made a difference in their lives. A proclamation will be read by a City of Abilene representative. Candi Davidson will perform on the violin, followed by refreshments. The public is invited to attend.
• Friday, July 17, at 1:00 p.m. – Push America arrives at Adaptive Recreation Services. 30 Push America cyclists of the National Philanthropy of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity began their “Journey of Hope” in San Francisco, California, on June 10, and are making a stop in Abilene. The cross-country trek concludes in Washington, D.C. on August 12. Each year, Push America makes a donation to Adaptive Recreation Services to enhance its programs. After the cyclists’ arrival, they will join ARS participants in a dance.