Volume 11 • Number 3 A City of Burleson Newsletter May • June 2006 HOT FUN IN THE SUMMER TIME There’s no better way to enjoy a warm summer night than with some cool music. And it’s even better when the source of that music is a FREE, open air concert! Burleson’s Hot Sounds of Summer concert series is back with an exciting variety of musical artists to get the summer off to a scorchin’ start! Every Friday night in June the streets of Old Town will be filled with concert-goers and fabulous music.

June 2 Cooder Graw Country & Western June 9 The Mighty Marvelous Four Motown/Temptations tribute June 16 Crawfish Jimmy Buffet-style music June 23 James Wages Elvis Presley tribute June 30 Me and My Monkey Beatles tribute The concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. each Friday night, with the stage set up at the corner of Ellison and Main streets in Old Town. Bring your family, your lawn chairs, INSIDE ... and your dancing shoes for some great community fun. For more information about the Hot Sounds of Summer concert series, call the parks and MAYOR’S MESSAGE 2 recreation department at 817-295-8168. E-CYCLING 2 HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS CAMP 3 WASTE COLLECTION MAY 27 LIBRARY 3 On May 27, the City of Burleson environmental services ANIMALS 4-5 division will host a household hazardous waste (HHW) collection event. Burleson residents needing to safely dispose of HHW items can do so from 9 to 11 a.m. at the CODE ENFORCEMENT 6 Municipal Service Center at 1675 John Jones Drive (FM 731). CALENDAR 7 The material is collected by the City of Fort Worth’s Crud Cruiser, which will accept items such as paint, antifreeze, FIREWORKS batteries, acid, motor oil, fluorescent bulbs, pool chemicals, CELEBRATION 8 pesticides, transmission or brake fluid, degreasers, craft chemicals and aerosol cans. The cruiser cannot accept ammunition, asbestos, building materials, butane or propane cylinders, explosives, medical waste, PCBs, radioactive material, smoke detectors or tires. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 FROM MAYOR KEN SHETTER

The “Burleson Boom” continues. The attract more large employers to Burleson so that more of City Council recently heard City staff our citizens will have the opportunity to live, play and work report that 2005 was a record year for in the city. We must also take advantage of the residential permits, with 765 opportunity to bring mass transit to Burleson in the form permits issued. As of November of commuter rail. It will be the key to reducing congestion 2005, Burleson accounted for 78 and having acceptable air quality. I am glad so many percent of all the single family people want to live in Burleson. As long as we continue residential permits issued in to work hard and plan wisely, growth will also bring Johnson County. Burleson also tremendous opportunities. ranked 13th in single family This issue of the Burleson Progress Report brings you residential permits issued in the important information about City ordinances that are of eight-county area representing the particular significance during the spring and summer Fort Worth-Dallas metropolitan months. You’ll also find information about some of the statistical area – just behind Plano. great special events and community activities that Burleson This year promises to be has to offer, and I encourage everyone to participate in another record-breaking year. those whenever they can. Overall, residential building permits I hope to see all of you at the concert and fireworks show on are up by 19 percent over the same July 4! period last year. The population estimates and projections recently released by the ELECTRONICS RECYCLING EVENT North Central Texas Council of SATURDAY, JUNE 10 • 9 A.M. – 2 P.M. Governments also reflect Burleson’s popularity. According to the FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BURLESON NCTCOG’s estimates, Burleson’s Are you looking for a safe way to dispose of old population now exceeds 30,000 computers, printers, VCRs or other electronic equipment? As people and is estimated to reach almost technology advances, there is a growing concern about the 65,000 by 2030. Our population boom environmental impact of these items as people replace and is good news – it reflects that Burleson is a great place to dispose of them. The safest way to do that is to recycle the live. However, we also know that such explosive growth material. must be accompanied by careful planning, or quality of On June 10, the City of Burleson is teaming with ARC life could diminish as more and more families call International to hold a FREE community-wide e-cycling Burleson home. event. So stop by First National Bank of Burleson (corner of Over the past several years we have improved Alsbury and the I-35W frontage road) and bring your outdated, development and building standards, increased water and broken or recently replaced electronics. This event is open to wastewater capacity, increased investment in public safety, everyone in the greater Burleson community, and you do not improved our transportation system, and enacted have to be a Burleson resident or business to participate. development impact fees to help pay the cost of improving ARC cannot accept large appliances, such as washers and the city’s infrastructure to keep up with all the growth. In dryers, but can take most other electronics, including the coming weeks and months, the City Council will computer monitors, at no charge. Televisions will be consider a tree preservation ordinance to prevent accepted for a $10 charge. the clear-cutting of land for development purposes, For a complete list of the items that will be accepted at the enhancements to our masonry ordinance to improve the event, go to www.burlesontx.com and visit the environmental quality of new housing, and a plan to significantly improve services page or call 817-447-5410 ext 269. parks and recreation facilities. For the future, we must

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION CONTINUED Participants should bring their water/solid waste bill are encouraged to take their items to the Environmental as proof of residency. Only Burleson residents may Collection Center (ECC) located at 6400 Bridge Street in participate in the collection, and only material from Fort Worth. For hours or other information, call the ECC residences can be accepted. As the Crud Cruiser has Information Line at 817-871-5257 or the environmental limited space available, those with large quantities of HHW services division at 817-447-5410 ext 269.

2 BASEBALL CAMP This summer, the Burleson parks and scholarships to the Texas Rangers recreation department is hosting a Baseball Camp in Burleson. The Texas Rangers Baseball Camp, June keynote speaker was none other than 26-29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at former Rangers and current Bartlett Park. The goal of the camp is executive vice president of the Texas to teach young players the basic skills Rangers organization, Jim Sundberg. and techniques of baseball. Current Thanks to support from Mr. Sundberg, and former Rangers players like Jim St. Matthew Cumberland Presbyterian Sundberg, and Jeff Kuenkel Church, and the dedicated community Would you like to will be on hand to help boost both the members who came out for the have the future learning and the excitement. breakfast, participation in the Texas Registration for the camp is in full Rangers Baseball Camp will be possible major-leaguer in swing and will continue through June for some area kids who might not your home 16. The fee is $245 per participant otherwise get to go. coached and and includes Rangers tickets, autographed and much more. mentored by a On March 24, the City of Burleson For more information, please contact the Texas Rangers hosted a special community breakfast parks and recreation department at baseball player? to help raise funds to support 817-295-8168. Well now you can.

SUMMER PROGRAMS AT THE LIBRARY

“Reading: The Sport of Champions” hold your place for a performance. Tuesday, July 18, 2 p.m. & 3 p.m. – is the theme for Summer Reading Pick up tickets at the library Rhythmweb Drum Guys will Club 2006. The program will launch information/reference desk or youth entertain with drums from around with the Kickoff Party on Thursday, services desk starting June 1. Limit six the world. June 1. Join us for entertainment per family, per performer. and refreshments. Pick up your Tuesday, June 27, 2-4 p.m. – reading club materials, including a Tuesday, June 6, 2 p.m. & 3 p.m. – Burleson’s Fire Safety House will be reading club certificate, time logs to Brett Roberts will bring his puppets at the library. No tickets are required for record hours read, and a bookmark. and magic tricks to entertain in this program. A parent or guardian The Kickoff Party will be held on the “Outback Ben’s Wild Reading must sign a waiver for each child that east side of the library from 10 a.m. Review.” participates. Waivers are available at to noon. Registration will continue the library. inside the library through July 5. Tuesday, June 13, 2 p.m. & 3 p.m. – This year’s Summer Reading Club The Bookworm will entertain Between June 8 and July 20, the will have lots of special programs and with ventriloquism, puppetry and library will host Family Films on prizes for all who participate. For great stories in “Reading is for Thursdays each week at 2 p.m. Join every 10 hours read, participants will Champions.” us for a kid-friendly movie, popcorn present their logs at the library and and refreshments. No registration is receive prizes, such as food coupons, Tuesday, June 20, 2 p.m. & 3 p.m. – required to attend, and all showings and the opportunity to win Texas Zooniversity will bring rescued are free. However, children under 10 Rangers baseball tickets for Library exotic animals in a “Stage Stars” must be accompanied by a parent or Day at Ameriquest Field in Arlington. program. guardian. All movies are rated G or Beginning June 6, the library PG. A list of the scheduled films will will host exciting weekly performers Tuesday, July 11, 2 p.m. & 3 p.m. – be available at the library. and events. For 2006, two Critterman will bring “Animal performances are scheduled each Athletes” to the library, including an For more information on the programs day to accommodate the crowds. alligator, tarantula and a 10-foot offered, stop by the library or call The events are FREE, but tickets will python. 817-295-6131, ext 296.

3 CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL GREAT AND S

BURLESON’S NEW ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL ORDINANCE

Need to know how property by the animal many pets you can keep services division. If an in your home? Which applicant, the property, animals are prohibited as and the pets meet all the pets in Burleson? When requirements of the an animal is “at large”? ordinance, a multi-pet The best place to look is in permit may be issued on the Burleson Animal Care an annual basis. So if and Control Ordinance, you already have more which was just updated than four dogs and cats in in April. your home or if you The Animal Care would like to, you can and Control Ordinance contact animal services Residents may now keep addresses a variety of about applying for a Cats are considered at large if they up to four dogs and animal-related issues that multi-pet permit. owners’ property. cats (combined) as pets. impact the health and welfare of Burleson’s residents and visitors. Some of the changes in the new ordinance are strictly administrative in nature and Animals At Large were designed to make the Burleson does have what is document more user-friendly, so commonly called a leash law it is easier to find quickly the prohibiting pets from running information you might need. at large. A cat is considered at large Other changes were actual when it is off its owner’s property and changes in policy. Some of those not secured in a vehicle, crate, carrier are highlighted below. or on a leash. A cat that goes onto someone else’s property is at large. When on its owner’s property, a dog must be confined by a building, wall Number of Pets or fence that the animal cannot One of the biggest changes in the escape or be on a tie-out that is ordinance will allow Burleson allowed by the ordinance. When residents to keep more pets, if they off its owner’s property, a dog is so desire. The maximum number of considered at large if it is not dogs and cats (combined) allowed at on a leash or if it escapes the a residence was raised from three to owner’s vehicle. four. However, the new ordinance Leash laws are designed to keep also creates a procedure allowing the public safe by requiring pet When off their owners’ property, people to apply for a multi-pet permit owners to make sure their pets dogs should be on leashes. if they wish to keep more than four cannot make unwanted contact dogs and cats on their property. with others. This is especially Without that permit, people with important anywhere animals and more than four dogs and cats on their property are in children might mix because children are the most violation of the ordinance. frequent victims of animal bites. Multi-pet permits require completion of an application and an inspection of the residential

4 SMALL GREAT AND SMALL GREAT AND SMALL

Dangerous Animals Public safety is the prime objective of any ordinance regulating animals. The City’s new ordinance includes new language to further protect people and their pets from dangerous animals. This includes: ▼ Use of the term “dangerous animal” rather than just “dangerous dog.” This change reflects the fact that it is not just dogs that can be aggressive and cause fear or harm. ▼ Expanding the definition of a dangerous animal to include an animal that makes an attack on another domestic animal. This change was needed because animals that attack other animals are just as dangerous as those that attack people. These and other changes about dangerous animals bring the City’s hey are off their ordinance more in line with national y. standards on these issues and make it easier for animal control officers to help keep residents safe.

To view the complete Animal Care and Control Ordinance (B-749-06), visit www.burlesontx.com and click on the link to City Ordinances. The new All cats and dogs must be vaccinated for rabies and wear their ordinance will be available immediately in the list of Most Frequently Requested Ordinances. If you rabies tags at all times. have questions about the ordinance, call animal services at 817-447-5426. The animal shelter is open Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Outside of those hours, please leave a message and staff will return your call. DOO THE RIGHT THING! If you think not picking up after your dog doesn’t and other animals. Pet waste also contains nutrients matter much, ask yourself this question ... How about that encourage weed and algae growth in lakes not picking up after 1.2 million dogs? Well, that’s the and streams. estimated dog population in North Central Texas, and The North Central Texas Council of Governments is the Food and Drug Administration estimates that the encouraging pet owners to DOO the Right Thing by average dog produces just under a pound of waste per going to their website and taking the pledge to help day. And that doesn’t count what the outdoor cats reduce the amount of pet waste that ends up in our produce! storm drains. Helping to do that is as easy as picking Animal waste is a serious water quality problem up after your pet. The DOO the Right Thing program that we often don’t think about. Pet waste gathers on also includes a pet photo contest, which you can enter streets, sidewalks and lawns, where it can easily wash through U.S. mail or by e-mail. into storm drains and into the nearest stream, creek or lake in the wake of a rainstorm or an active Help keep Burleson and its waterways clean. Visit the City sprinkler system. of Burleson website at www.burlesontx.com. There are Waste from animals such as dogs, cats, cows and links to the DOO the Right Thing website on both the waterfowl may contain disease-causing organisms, environmental services and animal services web pages. So bacteria and viruses that are harmful to humans, pets log on and sign that pledge today!

5 CODE ENFORCEMENT CLUES

Among the most important jobs any local government does is to enforce municipal codes that address nuisances. Nuisances include activities that impact public health and safety and residents’ quality of life. These goals are met, in large part, by the code enforcement division. The City’s code enforcement officers would like to offer the following reminders about issues they frequently encounter during the spring and summer months.

HIGH GRASS AND WEEDS In Burleson, it is illegal to allow grass and weeds to grow taller than 12 inches in height. When a code enforcement officer gets a complaint about high grass and weeds, the property in question will be inspected for compliance. Keeping your yard or open field mowed benefits you and If the property is found to be in violation, the property your neighbors. Shorter grass helps reduce the chances of owner will be mailed a one-time notice to mow the large grass fires. Rats, fire ants and other pests are less property within 10 days. If the grass is not mowed, the City likely to nest in shorter grass. Plus, your grass clippings can may hire a contractor to mow the property and then charge be composted and create a natural fertilizer for your yard. the property owner for the cost of mowing. Help keep Burleson free of high grass and weeds. SIGNS A common problem in most cities is small, temporary signs placed along streets and at intersections. These signs are commonly referred to as bandit signs, stake signs or snipe signs. The signs are typically small and attached to the ground by stakes, metal frames or wire. The signs might also be found attached to utility poles, street signs, trees, fences or other fixed objects in the right-of-way. These signs add visual clutter to Burleson’s neighborhoods and roadways. These types of signs are prohibited by City ordinance. The signs include those that advertise products or services for sale, or direct traffic to a driveway for particular business on the property. Garage sale signs, political signs and home builder signs are allowed under different ordinances and have different location requirements.

If you have any questions about these regulations or other nuisance codes, contact the code enforcement division at 817-447-5410 ext 223 or 304. DID YOU KNOW ... The expansion of Hidden Creek Parkway be closed between I-35W Street. Watch the local paper and Parkway continues as preparations are (South Burleson Boulevard) and the City’s website for specific road made to begin construction of the Hidden Oaks Drive. During this phase closure dates. bridge over I-35W that will connect the of construction, visitors to Hidden For more information about the eastern and western sections of the Creek Golf Course will need to access ongoing Hidden Creek Parkway road. Construction of the bridge will the facility off of the I-35W service road expansion, visit www.burlesontx.com or begin within the next several weeks and visitors to Hidden Creek Sports call 817-447-5410 ext 253 and speak and will require that Hidden Creek Complex will have access via Dobson with the project engineer.

6 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Discretion Recognizing and avoiding words, actions and attitudes that could bring May undesirable consequences.

21-27 National Public Works Week 27 Household Hazardous Waste Collection, 21-27 National Dog Bite Prevention Week Municipal Service Center, 9-11 a.m. 22 Book Discussion Group, Library, 6:30 p.m. 27 Splash Day, Chisenhall Park Pool, 1:00 p.m. 25 Bon Voyage Party, Senior Activity Center, noon 29 Memorial Day – City facilities closed ❥ 25 City Council meeting, City Hall, 7 p.m.

Endurance June The inward strength to withstand stress and do my best.

1 Summer Reading Club Kickoff, Library, 13 Burleson Heritage Foundation meeting, 10 a.m. - noon Heritage Visitors Center, 7 p.m. 1 Summer Swim Team and Track begin 16 Summer Concert Series, Old Town, 7:30 p.m. 1 Summer Classes begin, Community Center 19 Library Board meeting, Library, 7 p.m. 2 Summer Concert Series, Old Town, 7:30 p.m. 19-23 British Soccer Camp 7 Friends of the Library meeting, Library, 10 a.m. 21 Spaghetti Lunch, Senior Activity Center, noon 8 City Council meeting, City Hall, 7 p.m. 22 City Council meeting, City Hall, 7 p.m. 9 Summer Concert Series, Old Town, 7:30 p.m. 23 Summer Concert Series, Old Town, 7:30 p.m. 10 E-cycling Collection, First National Bank of Burleson, 26-29 Texas Rangers Baseball Camp, Bartlett Park, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. daily 12 Summer Softball begins 30 Summer Concert Series, Old Town, 7:30 p.m. 13 Planning & Zoning-City Council joint public hearing, City Hall, 7 p.m.

Meekness July Yielding my personal rights and expectations, with a desire to serve.

3 Independence Day Party, 17 Library Board meeting, Library, 7 p.m. Senior Activity Center, noon 18 Planning & Zoning-City Council joint public 4 Independence Day – City facilities closed ❥ hearing, City Hall, 7 p.m. 4 Independence Day Parade, 9 a.m. 19 Pancake Lunch, Senior Activity Center, noon 4 Independence Day Fireworks Celebration, 27 City Council meeting, City Hall, 7 p.m. Hidden Creek Sports Complex, 6 p.m. 29 Summer Reading Club Awards Party, 5 Friends of the Library meeting, Library, 10 a.m. Library, 10:30 a.m. 11 Burleson Heritage Foundation meeting, TBA BYA Girls Pony National Tournament Heritage Visitors Center, 7 p.m. 13 City Council meeting, City Hall, 7 p.m. ❥ Hidden Creek Golf Course and the City pool will be open. 14-16 TAAF Girls Fast Pitch State Tournament, On City holidays, trash collection is suspended. Hidden Creek Sports Complex

DID YOU KNOW ...

Burleson’s Water Emergency Management Plan calls for voluntary water conservation year-round and emphasizes the need for conservation between May 1 and September 30 of each year. The City requests that customers voluntarily conserve water, water lawns and landscaping only once every five days, and not irrigate between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., when the evaporation rate is the highest. For more information about Burleson’s Water Emergency Management Plan, call 817-447-5410 ext 272.

7 8TH ANNUAL INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS CELEBRATION

Celebrate American independence with a BANG at the City of Burleson’s eighth annual fireworks celebration on Tuesday, July 4! Come on out to Hidden Creek Sports Complex (295 Hidden Creek Parkway) and join in the celebration of our nation’s independence. The gates will open at 6 p.m. to give everyone time to stake their places on the lawn. Then at 7:30, things will really heat up as country music sensation Deryl Dodd takes the stage for a concert sure to get everyone dancing. The music will take the crowd straight through until dark, when all eyes will turn to the sky for one of the most spectacular, musically-choreographed fireworks displays anywhere in Texas! The entire event is open to the public and admission is FREE!

Bring those lawn chairs, picnic suppers, and your best dance moves and help Burleson celebrate America’s 230th birthday!

City of Burleson PRSRT STD 141 W. Renfro, Burleson, Texas 76028-4261 U.S. Postage PAID Burleson, TX 76028 Permit No. 11

An official publication of the City of Burleson City Council Ken Shetter, Mayor Jerry Allen, Mayor Pro Tem Stuart Gillaspie, Jim Bailey, Claudia Humphreys, Chip Stephens, Matt Powell

The Burleson City Council normally meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in the City Hall, 141 W. Renfro. Call 817-447-5400 (toll free 877-447-5460) for meeting dates. Visit our website at www.burlesontx.com.

Published by the City of Burleson Communications Department

Printed on recycled paper.