June News Releases
June 25, 2009
Free admission at both City of Abilene pools on July 4 and 17, thanks to Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness
ABILENE, Texas – The Mayor's Council on Physical Fitness is sponsoring FREE pool days at Rose Park and Stevenson Park Pools on Saturday, July 4 and Friday, July 17. Pools will be open from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Space is limited so come early.
“One of the board’s goals is to make physical fitness activities more accessible to people in our community. That’s why we’re sponsoring free admission to the city pools,” explained Pug Parris, Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness Chair. “Swimming is a great way to get exercise, plus taking a dip in the pool will help cool you down during hot July days. We expect to see some new faces at the pools and hopefully, attract new swimming enthusiasts.”
The City of Abilene pools are located:
2642 S. 9th
(325) 676-6484
541 E.N. 7th
(325) 676-6485
For additional details about the free pool days, go online to the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness website, www.myfitnessabilene.com.
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.
June 24, 2009
City of Abilene-related closings for Independence Day holiday
ABILENE, Texas – Most City of Abilene offices and community service centers will be closed on Friday, July 3 in observance of the Independence Day holiday with the exception of those providing life safety services such as fire and police protection.
The Abilene Animal Shelter will be closed Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4. 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. The Animal Shelter will re-open on Monday, July 6 at 9 a.m. to resume normal business hours.
Solid Waste Services division offices will not be open July 3 but all residential and commercial container collection will run on the regular schedules. There will be no bulk and brush collection on July 3. The Environmental Recycling Center will be closed on July 4.
The Municipal Court will be closed on July 3. All citations due July 3 will be due on July 6 with no penalty.
All locations of the Abilene Public Library will be open on Friday, July 3. However, the library will be closed on Saturday, July 4.
CityLink Transit will not run on July 4.
Other City closings for July 3 include: City Hall, Health Division, Abilene Civic Center, the Development Corporation of Abilene, the Airport Administration Office and City Recreation and Senior Citizen centers.
The Rose Park and Stevenson Park Pools will be open normal hours on both July 3 and 4 from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. The Abilene Zoo will be open both July 3 and July 4.
The Water Services Center, 701 E. Hwy. 80, will be open on July 3, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., to take delinquent payments from customers whose water has been turned off and from 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.
June 23, 2009
Go hiking with the Mayor on Saturday, June 27
ABILENE, Texas – Come join Mayor Norm Archibald and the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness for the 2nd Annual Mayor’s Hike happening 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2009 at Lake Abilene, located west of Buffalo Gap. The free family-friendly event is open to the public, expected to last about 2 1/2 hours, and leashed dogs are welcome.
Participants may select from four different levels of trails, with distances varying from two to six miles. This unique fitness opportunity is sponsored by the Mayor's Council on Physical Fitness and the Abilene State Park.
If you plan on attending the hike, here are recommendations to ensure a fun-filled, safe time is had by all:
Directions: Take Buffalo Gap Road/FM 89 south to Buffalo Gap. Proceed through Buffalo Gap, following FM 89 as it veers to the right. Cross over the railroad tracks and follow the road 4.9 miles to Lake Abilene. You will pass Perini’s Steakhouse, Camp Tonkawa and Abilene State Park. Look for a sign, on the right, that reads Lake Abilene. Follow the sign to the designated parking area. View parking and hiking options at www.myfitnessabilene.com.
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 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.
For more information about the Abilene State Park, visit online http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/abilene/.
June 22, 2009
Movie in the Park scheduled for Friday, July 17
ABILENE, Texas – The City of Abilene’s Recreation Division is hosting Movie in the Park on Friday, July 17. The free event will take place at 9 p.m. in the Rose Park Amphitheater, 2601 South 7th Street. Citizens are welcome to bring their favorite snacks, blankets, and lawn chairs to enjoy a night of fun with family and friends. The featured movie is “Madagascar 2”.
For more information, call (325) 734-5301.
June 18, 2009
Cat Enrichment Day at the Zoo
ABILENE, Texas – The Abilene Zoo will be hosting an environmental enrichment day at the Zoo for its cats on Saturday, June 20. Enrichment items will be presented to the big cats starting at 2:00 p.m. at the tiger exhibit, 2:30 p.m. at the lion exhibit, and 3:00 p.m. at the jaguar exhibit. These will be accompanied by a “Keeper Chat” at each exhibit on the importance of enrichment.
In addition, the Zoo is pleased to present its two ocelot kittens, one male “Clutch” and one female “Jade” to the public. They were born on Wednesday, February 25, 2009. The Zoo will soon begin a Cat Ambassador Program with the kittens to allow the Zoo’s education department more opportunities to spread the message of conservation and the plight of the ocelots and other exotic animals.
Their parents are 9 year old “Hot Rod” and 8 year old “Ellie”. The ocelot kittens may be seen through the glass viewing window at the Education Building across from the lion exhibit from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. Permanent display times will be Sunday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. beginning Sunday, June 21.
Animal Services seeks public’s help to feed seized animals
ABILENE, Texas – Animal Services is asking for help to feed several animals seized by warrant this morning. The feed needed includes hay, sweet feed for horses and cattle and chicken feed. Animal Services along with the Abilene Police Department and Taylor County Sheriff’s office seized approximately 50 roosters and chickens, 4 mares, 1 mare possibly pregnant, 3 colts, 1 bull and 1 heifer. Several of the animals are severely emaciated and in need of food and water. Animal Services is working with Rescue the Animals SPCA to help house and feed all of the animals.
To donate food the public is asked to coordinate with Animal Services by calling 325-698-0085.
June 15, 2009
Public invited to attend South Downtown Abilene presentation on Monday, June 22
ABILENE, Texas – Citizens are welcome to attend a public presentation of the South Downtown Economic Enhancement Strategy on Monday, June 22, 2009 from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in the Historic Elks Building ballroom, 1174 N. 1st Street. The City of Abilene’s consultant, HyettPalma, is conducting the presentation. The economic enhancement strategy under development is for the South Downtown Abilene area, bounded by North 6th Street on the north, South 7th Street on the south, Treadaway Boulevard on the east and Pine and Butternut Streets on the west.
For more information about the event, contact Mo Parker at (325) 676-6230 or e-mail mo.parker@abilenetx.com.
Public Works provides useful facts regarding preliminary FEMA flood maps
ABILENE, Texas – The City of Abilene’s Public Works Department announced today that preliminary flood maps for Abilene are now available for the public to view. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is in the process of updating its flood map for Abilene. Citizens may review the preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and provide comments either online at www.abilenetx.com or in person to the Public Works Department starting Monday, June 15 2009 through Friday, August 14, 2009. View floodplain maps here.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a FIRM? FIRM is an abbreviation for Flood Insurance Rate Map. A FIRM shows areas of land that are prone to flooding.
Why does the city have floodplain regulations? The city must regulate development in flood prone areas in order to be accepted in the National Flood Insurance Program. Acceptance in this program is necessary for property owners in the city to obtain flood insurance.
What is a floodplain? A floodplain is the area that may be covered with water during a significant rain event. The rain event used to define a floodplain is that which has a 1% chance of occurrence during any given year. This rain event is also called the “100 year storm”.
How do I know if my property is in the floodplain? You may review the preliminary FIRM panels in the Public Works office at City Hall, 555 Walnut Street, Abilene TX, 2nd floor, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., from June 15 to August 14, 2009. You may also log on to the City’s home page at www.abilenetx.com and click on the link “New Floodplain Map Information”, under General Information.
I have lived in my house for a long time and it has never flooded, but the maps show my property to be in the floodplain. Are the maps wrong? The maps are developed using statistical rainfall data for the Abilene area along with detailed ground surface information to calculate the rise and spread of floodwaters through the city’s creek system. The maps have been reviewed by City staff and generally reflect what has been observed during actual flood events. However, it is possible that certain properties are shown to be in a mapped floodplain, but may not be at risk due to their actual location or elevation.
How do I request information regarding the FIRM? Questions may be answered by Public Works staff at City Hall, 555 Walnut Street, or through e-mails submitted through the web link.
How do I request that the map be changed? Appeals and protests received in writing will be reviewed by City staff to determine whether information or data submitted is sufficient to forward to FEMA for consideration. Requests for changes to the map must be accompanied by supporting technical data in order to be forwarded to FEMA. This data must be technical in nature and may be in the form of ground surface elevations or a sealed engineer’s report. Appeals that only provide subjective statements such as “I don’t believe my house is in the floodplain” or “my house has never flooded” will not be forwarded.
Who created the preliminary Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood map for Abilene? The map has been prepared by FEMA.
How was the map prepared? The map was prepared using detailed ground surface elevation and topographic data collected in 2005. The spread and height of floodwater in the city’s creeks were determined using hydraulic engineering methods.
What is the purpose of the newly revised FEMA flood map for Abilene? The purpose of the revised map is to improve the accuracy of information related to floodwater elevation and limits.
How did the City of Abilene assist FEMA in creating the flood map? The City provided funding for the surveying and modeling and provided input regarding actual experience with flood events in Abilene.
Is this the final version of Abilene’s flood map? The preliminary map is subject to review and appeal by the citizens and City staff for a limited time. To insure that all appeals are submitted and considered by FEMA, the City of Abilene is requesting that such requests be submitted to the Public Works office by August 31, 2009. Requests received after this date may not be processed by City staff or FEMA.
What’s difference between this new map and the one currently in use? The current map was created in the early 1980’s using ground surface data and topography at that time. The new map has been created using higher resolution mapping techniques and is based on conditions as they exist currently. Also, the new map will be presented in a digital format as well as in a paper format. The new map should be more accurate in its depiction of flood prone areas.
Am I required to have flood insurance? Most mortgage companies require flood insurance for houses that are in the floodplain. The City of Abilene does not require flood insurance.
Should I buy flood insurance? If your house is in the floodplain according to the FEMA maps, you may be required by your lender to purchase flood insurance. If your house is in the floodplain but you do not have a mortgage, then it is your personal decision whether or not to buy flood insurance. There may be some advantage to purchasing flood insurance before the new maps become effective. Certain properties where the floodplain status has changed may be “grandfathered” and reduced rates may apply for insurance purchased before the new maps become effective. Contact your insurance agent for more information.
What is a Base Flood Elevation (BFE)? A BFE is the elevation above sea level to which water will rise during a 100 year storm.
Can I build a new house or structure in a floodplain? Generally yes. However, the finished floor must be elevated higher than the Base Flood Elevation and the structure must not be located in the floodway without special engineering analysis that has been reviewed and approved by the City.
What is a floodway? A floodway is an area within the floodplain that must remain open for the flow of floodwaters. Construction in the floodway is generally prohibited.
When will the preliminary map become final? The preliminary map will likely become the official “effective” map sometime in 2010. The date is uncertain due to a backlog of work on the nationwide effort to update and modify all floodplain maps in the country. Until the new maps become the “effective maps”, all construction and development in the city must be in conformance with the City of Abilene’s current maps and ordinances.
June 12, 2009
CityLink awarded nearly $2.1 Million in Federal Recovery Act Funds
ABILENE, Texas – CityLink Transit will soon receive $2,057,460 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) funds to replace aging buses and vans, purchase support vehicles and support equipment, purchase covered bus shelters and rehabilitate the bus transfer facility.
“The federal stimulus funding will directly benefit our passengers and the community at large,” remarked CityLink General Manager Brad Patrick. “This reinvestment in transit means we will replace several aging buses and provide new bus shelters to protect citizens from the elements while they wait for their ride. These projects will act as an investment in infrastructure that will provide long-term transportation benefits for our community.”
The ARRA funds will be used to purchase four buses for fixed route services, five paratransit buses and three support vehicles. In addition, CityLink will rehabilitate the transfer facility including repaving the passenger landing as well as purchase support equipment. Funding will also support the expansion of six new bus shelters and concrete foundations. The covered shelters will provide an area where fixed route passenger can wait for their bus with protection from inclement weather.
June 10, 2009
The Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness and CityLink promote fitness for kids through summer fun pass
ABILENE, Texas – The Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness and CityLink have partnered to promote physical activity for kids during the summer months by offering a $10 summer fun pass. This is a savings of $50 per child! The discounted bus pass is for children between the ages of 6 and 18 who provide proof of involvement in a summer activity or organization at the time of purchase.
The $10 passes are valid from June 1, 2009 through August 31, 2009 on all fixed bus routes. Passes may be purchased at the CityLink Station located at 1189 S. 2nd. The validity of the summer activity involvement will be decided at the discretion of CityLink.
Qualified activities are Stevenson and Rose Park Pools, City of Abilene recreation centers, Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, day camps, summer school and more.
CityLink is Abilene’s public transit system, offering an affordable transportation alternative for passengers. CityLink’s goal is to provide this service safely, efficiently, courteously and in the most professional manner possible.
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.
For more information, call CityLink at (325) 676-6609 or visit www.myfitnessabilene.com.
June 9, 2009
CityLink seeks public input on revised Fixed Route bus service
ABILENE, Texas – Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by CityLink Transit at 3:00 p.m. and at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2009. The public is invited to attend. The meetings will be held inside City Council Chambers located at City Hall, 555 Walnut, Abilene, TX 79602.
The purpose of the meetings is to discuss revisions to CityLink’s Fixed Route bus service which operates from Monday through Saturday, 6:15 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. Written comments may be forwarded to CityLink Transit, 1189 South 2nd St., Abilene, TX 79602, and must be postmarked by Monday, June 15, 2009.
Persons with disabilities who would like special assistance or need special accommodations to participate in these meetings should contact CityLink General Manager Brad Patrick at (325) 676-6403 at least twenty four hours in advance of the meeting. Telecommunication Display Device (TDD) for the hearing impaired is 676-6401.
Special programming to air on TV Channel 7
ABILENE, Texas – TV Channel 7, the City’s education/government channel, will soon air two special television programs: the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene Dedication Ceremony, produced by the Texas Veterans Land Board, and “Texas: The State of Flowing Water”, produced by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
The veterans cemetery dedication, which took place on Memorial Day on May 25, 2009, will air on the following days and times:
For more information about the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene, go online to http://www.glo.state.tx.us/news/archive/2009/Abilene/Home.htm or call the Texas Veterans Land Board at 1-800-252-VETS (8387).
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife website, the 2009 hour-long water documentary explores “the vital importance of water for people and for the diverse bounty of Texas fish and wildlife that depend on it for survival”, examines “the threats facing Texas’ water and what can be done to protect our most precious natural resource” and the public can learn “simple steps people take collectively can help avoid future water shortages.” “Texas: The State of Flowing Water” will air at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 14 and the first Sunday at 1 p.m. over the next 5 months. The corresponding dates are July 5, August 2, September 6, October 4, and November 1.
TV Channel 7 is available on Suddenlink Cable Channel 7 and broadcast Channel 7 KXN-TV.
June 8, 2009
Animal Services to offer free flea and tick dip on a Saturday
ABILENE, Texas – Animal Services will offer free flea and tick dips for dogs of Abilene residents on Saturday, June 20, 2009 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The Abilene Animal Shelter, located at 925 South 25th Street, began offering the no-cost service on Wednesdays in mid-April again this year. But this is the first time citizens can have their dog dipped on a Saturday.
“We hope Abilene dog owners who are unable to come by on a weekday can take advantage of this free service on June 20 and help their dogs stay clear of fleas and ticks,” Animal Services Manager Aaron Vannoy explained. “The dips are designed to kill any fleas and ticks on the pet at the time. However, owners will still need to treat pet beds, blankets, yards and dog houses to prevent another infestation.”
Citizens wishing to have their dog dipped are asked to come through the Abilene Animal Shelter’s east gate and contact one of the employees for assistance.
The shelter will continue to offer free flea and tick dips on Wednesday afternoons from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. through September 16, 2009.
American flag retirement ceremony on June 12
ABILENE, Texas – An American flag retirement ceremony will take place on the front lawn of Rose Park Senior Activity Center, 2625 South 7th Street, at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 12, 2009. The City of Abilene Senior Citizens is joining several veterans, who meet regularly at the center, to sponsor the ceremony. Groups assisting in the event include the Dyess Air Force Base Honor Guard, Cub Scouts and representatives from the American Legion.
The ceremony will involve one flag that has flown over the center for approximately the last seven years. The unserviceable flag will be respectfully destroyed.
The event is being held in conjunction with Flag Day which is June 14, 2009.
June 7, 2009
Discounted cat adoptions as Animal Services celebrates Adopt-A-Cat Month
ABILENE, Texas – The Abilene Animal Shelter is celebrating the American Humane Association’s national Adopt-A-Cat Month by offering a 10% discount on cat and kitten adoptions from June 8 – July 3. During this period, the cost for adopting an unaltered cat is $63 and a spayed/neutered cat is $31.50.
“Thousands of kittens are born during the spring and summer each year, and many end up in animal shelters, waiting for loving, forever homes,” said Animal Services Manager Aaron Vannoy. “We encourage everyone to visit and meet all the great cats we have here and hopefully, take home a new four-legged friend.”
Fees include the cost of adoption, City license, rabies vaccination and spay/neuter procedure when necessary.
The shelter, located at 925 South 25th Street, is open 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, and is closed Sunday and all major holidays.
For more information, call the Abilene Animal Shelter at (325) 698-0085.
June 5, 2009
Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness named 2009-2010 Chair and Vice-Chair
ABILENE, Texas – The Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness named Dr. Pug Parris the Chair and Dr. Dennis O’Connell the Vice-Chair for the 2009-2010 term.
Parris has over 30 years experience in physical education with numerous awards, authorships, workshops, as well as the Samuel Taylor Fellowship for research in Physical Education, to her accreditation. She is currently Professor of Kinesiology and Program Director for the Department of Kinesiology and Health Fitness at McMurry University, Abilene, TX.
When asked about her upcoming year as Chair, Parris stated, “Mayor Archibald has shown tremendous interest and leadership in making our community one that believes in activity and has access to the ways and means to improve quality of life through fitness opportunities. Liz Rotenberry, Chair 2008-2009, initiated some wonderful projects that will benefit Abilene for years to come. It will be a pleasure to continue these early initiatives and work to create new fitness projects for Abilenians."
O’Connell, PT, Ph.D., CSCS, CEAS, FACSM is a physical therapist, exercise physiologist, certified ergonomic assessment specialist and certified strength and conditioning specialist. He has published several book chapters and scientific manuscripts on a variety of topics including strengthening in wheelchair users, submaximal aerobic exercise tests, and back extensor endurance in school children. Currently, Dr. O'Connell is a Professor and Sheldon-Lacewell Endowed Chair of Physical Therapy at Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene, TX.
Parris will preside over the next Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness meeting scheduled for 4 p.m. June 10, 2009 in the Basement Conference Room, City Hall, 555 Walnut Street.
Mayor Norm Archibald established the Mayor's Council on Physical Fitness in March 2008 to help build a healthier community. The Mayor's Council 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.
For details about upcoming fitness events in Abilene, visit www.myfitnessabilene.com.
June 3, 2009
Schoolchildren raise funds for expansion underway at the Melvin Martin Center for Children’s Safety
ABILENE, Texas – During Wednesday afternoon’s groundbreaking ceremony at the newly renamed Melvin Martin Center for Children’s Safety (also known as Safety City), several children presented a $6,511 check to Mayor Norm Archibald for construction of the new Fire Safety House. Students from area schools that attend Safety City raised the money through penny drive fundraisers over the 2008-2009 school year. Dyess Elementary School’s Parent/Teacher Organization (PTO) was the first group to kick off the multi-school fundraising effort by donating a $265 check for the new building.
“It’s amazing what kids can do when they set their minds to it,” Mayor Norm Archibald remarked. “We have children to thank for ensuring the Safety City experience will remain relevant and fun-filled for future students. By this time next year, we’ll have a new Fire Safety House that will truly enhance their learning experience.”
Mayor Archibald was joined today by Friends of Safety City board members and first responders to break ground for the new Fire Safety House. The 2,000 square-foot building will replace an 8 foot by 30 foot Fire Safety Trailer which currently serves as a teaching classroom, only accommodating 20 students at a time. The new facility will be modeled after the former #2 Fire Station on South 5th and Butternut Streets. It will feature 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 these facilities estimated to cost $160,000 for the Fire Safety House and $205,000 for the Police Station. The Friends of Safety City board will donate the buildings to the City of Abilene once they’re 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.
White Bengal tiger makes his debut at the Abilene Zoo
ABILENE, Texas – A white Bengal tiger named Havar is ready to greet visitors at the Abilene Zoo. The 325 pound male tiger, which was donated to the zoo by Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in Florida, arrived earlier this week. Havar is approximately 8 years old.
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.
Director of Public Works Paul Knippel to resign
ABILENE, Texas – City of Abilene’s Director of Public Works Paul Knippel today announced plans to resign to become the Director of Engineering Services with the City of Frisco. His resignation is effective June 26, 2009.
“It was a difficult decision to make since I have enjoyed my time with the City of Abilene and the relationships I’ve made here,” Paul Knippel explained. “I wasn’t looking to leave Abilene but a professional opportunity presented itself that I couldn’t refuse. The Public Works Department is made up of a great team of dedicated employees who work hard to maintain our streets, pick up refuse, recycle materials, keep our creeks free of debris, engineer our roadways, oversee traffic-related concerns and provide public transportation via CityLink. I’m proud of everything they do on a daily basis and they’ll continue to make a positive impact on our community.”
Knippel joined the City of Abilene as its Director of Public Works in July 2005. He is a licensed professional engineer (P.E.) and holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas and a master’s degree in engineering from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. Currently, Knippel is half-way through earning a master’s degree in public administration from The University of Texas at Arlington.
“Paul has been a great asset to the City of Abilene so it’s with regret that I accept his resignation,” City Manager Larry Gilley said. “We thank him for his nearly four years of dedicated service to the citizens of Abilene and we wish him the best as he takes on a new career challenge.”
Knippel begins his new position on July 13, 2009. A search is underway for his replacement.