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NETWORKING - INPUT - COOPERATION - SUPPORT - QUALITY OF LIFE |
PfCONA
was formed in 1985 by Pflugerville residents who wanted to provide a forum for
neighborhood groups to collectively air their concerns and work with the City Council to
resolve problems. |
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CONTENT |
DATES |
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COMMUNITY
BUILDING AFFILIATED NEIGHBORHOODS
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PfCONA "TIDBITS" E-NEWSLETTER
Click here for more recent newsletters on Pflugerville Tidbits Blog.APRIL 2004 E-NEWSLETTER Pflugerville Council of Neighborhood Associations Pfolks and Pfriends, This E-mail initially goes out to PfCONA neighborhood reps, associates, honorary, and pending members*...those interested in neighborhood / community issues...open dialogue...problem-solving...and solutions. Share "Tidbits" with your homeowners / block contacts / captains and affiliated organizations, to give residents something to TALK about (constructive gossip). See books, links, and calendar at bottom (upcoming meetings/events). If you like what you read or what PfCONA is up to, click here for a PfCONA 2004 Membership Application online ($10 by check or by PayPal online). Also, click here for archive of Tidbits, agendas, and minutes, etc. ****************************** APRIL 12TH PfCONA MEETING The April 12th, 7pm-8:30pm agenda will include: 1) Main Topic: Community Concerns - State of the City Speaker: Chief David Buesing, Interim City Manager 2) Skate Park Update - Councilman Pat McCord * 3) Pflugerville VOTES! Project Push 4) PfCONA Volunteer Pamphlet Unveiling 5) Mayor/Councilman/Chief Comments &
Questions
*See related newsbrief below. Councilman Pat McCord, Mayor Scott Winton, and Chief David Buesing (also interim City Manager) are scheduled to be present. The meetings are intended for city/ETJ neighborhood residents and leaders. At the last PfCONA meeting on March 8th, PfCONA highlighted the possibility of an airport because there is a chance one would be coming to this area after all and citizens should be aware of this and voice whether they are for one or against one to their county commissioners, TXDOT, and city leaders. Citizens at the 3/8 PfCONA meeting had mixed feelings about an airport just outside our northern or southeastern ETJ. Some at the PfCONA meeting said they were not for or against an airport, some said they were for it if it meant more economic development and lower taxes, some said they were not for an airport since it would impact our quality of life here, and others present did not voice their opinion either way but did ask questions.
Nathan Weiss, a speaker on the issue, said that property owners in his area within and along the southeastern ETJ mainly wanted a say in how their land was developed (that it not be forced upon them) and that they felt that there wasn't enough demand for such an airport. He did say that he and members of his group were not against economic development and that he realized Pflugerville was growing eastward and that he would soon see homes developed across Cameron Rd from his land that his family has owned for the past 100 years. He said there has been opposition to an airport in this area for the past 24 years and that it keeps coming back. He said eastern Travis County has been a dumping ground for projects that others do not want (e.g., landfills).
Interim City Manager/Chief Buesing said that Pflugerville residents never voted not to have an airport, they only voted to not allow for a 1/2 cent tax that would go to the city, which some felt could possibly support airport development. He said that the city has suffered greatly due to the loss of the 1/2 cent tax money. He also said that an airport would bring a lot of property tax revenue which we need.
Note: Hutto City Council recently voted 3-2 that
they are not in support of an airport in their area. In relation to the Pflugerville area...KASE 101 Country just came to town on Friday, April 2nd from 5a-9a in the Pflugerville HEB parking lot. They are visiting towns (Buda is next) to pay tribute to community service workers (police, fire, EMS, teachers, etc.). They had sign up for a car giveaway and the Pflugerville Downtown Association gave away door prizes (gift certificates, flowers, etc.). Various city officials and organization leaders were interviewed including PfCONA, which made mention of the PfCONA Welcome Mug Program being delivered by Police Officers to every new resident. The Mayor Scott Winton gave a Welcome Mug Packet to the radio hosts and declared April 2nd KASE 101 day. KASE 101 is also a sponsor of the Parks and Recreation Easter Pfestival 2004 on Saturday, April 3rd at Heritage Park from Noon-3p.
The City is planning to purchase 130 acres of land, off Weiss La near the new reservoir along Pfluger La, to build a business park in Pflugerville. The cost of the property is not yet known and there is no estimate completion date. (Source: Pflugerville Pflag, April 1, 2004)
A recent transportation study by the Capital Area Rural Transportation System was presented to city council on March 23rd. The conceptual plan outlines direct service between areas near Pflugerville, Georgetown, Austin, and Round Rock. A direct route connecting Pflugerville with Round Rock was suggested. It is being determined if $250,000 of grant money that was allocated for transit improvement in Pflugerville and Cedar Park is still available. (Source: Pflugerville Pflag, April 1, 2004).
On another note, know that we may soon lose Periwinkles gift shop unless more people shop there at 403 W. Pecan St. Go now. They are having a sale. Get introduced to the very unique and special items there, just like at our other downtown and Pflugerville area merchants. If all of our neighborhoods made a push for residents to Shop Pflugerville Pfirst, before looking elsewhere for gifts, food, equipment, etc., more of our tax dollars would stay in Pflugerville and more businesses that we desire will come to Pflugerville.
The new Heritage Park Pool looks like it is going to be a wonderful addition to our Parks and Recreation offerings. Have you seen the new waterslides going in? There is also a playscape that has already gone up. Construction is still underway. Stay tuned.
Last, the City Council will be hosting a Banquet for Community Volunteers on April 20th at 7p at Pfluger Hall. The City had PfCONA submit a list of active PfCONA and neighborhood leader volunteers, so the City could invite them to express their sincere appreciation for making progress in the Pflugerville possible. This is the third annual event of this nature.
In relation to Pflugerville neighborhoods...Creekside just held a neighborhood-wide garage sale and will have a Creekside Eggstravaganza on April 3rd from 10am-11:30am at Creekside Park. Ridge at Steeds crossing and Bohls Place/Bohls Crossing just had neighborhood meetings, Saxony is getting ready for a new pool season, and Arbor Creek is dealing with possible deed restriction changes requested by the builder. Ridge at Steeds Crossing also recently elected new officers. Arbor Creek has also asked PfCONA to develop a web page for their subdivision on PfCONA's website. Also, there are only 12 lots left in the subdivision for sale. Falcon Pointe residents are seeing Hwy 130 and Hwy 45 develop on the edge of their subdivision. The City is putting in a guardrail along some houses on Kelly La in Blackhawk due to recent accidents. Bohls Place/Bohls Crossing has asked PfCONA to temporarily help host their website until they raise enough funds for one.
With Deutschen Pfest right
around the corner on May 14-16, Pflugerville neighborhood associations are being
invited to enter floats in the May 15th parade. Nancy Ramsey, parade organizer, is
sending out invitations to neighborhoods and businessess but in case we don't have
your contact information and you wish to enter, E-mail kenramsey@cox-internet.com for
more info. Deadline for entries is May 10th. They may be dropped
at Parks and Recreation offices at 400 Immanuel Road or faxed to same office at: 990-0932.
PfCONA is about ready to unveil its new volunteer pamphlet to introduce members and others to how to be involved in PfCONA and their own neighborhoods. Come to the April 12th meeting to get a first hand look at the new pamphlet. A PfCONA overview brochure, including how to join PfCONA is also being developed.
Also, PfCONA is readying a banner for use in upcoming community outreach booths at Pflugerville Downtown Association Market Days as well as Deutchen Pfest Parade and possible booth. PfCONA is also preparing to have signs made to encourage residents to vote in May city council and school elections, in relation to PfCONA's Pflugerville VOTES! project. Signs will be distributed to neighborhood/homeowner association leaders to put in their yards to encourage their own residents to vote. Instead of the 500 who voted in Pflugerville city council election last year out of 10,000 registered residents, we can double that to 1,000 or more if we get our neighbors to the polls. It takes a person to person appeal.
Last, PfCONA is currently
requesting a supply of brochures from all city community organizations,
including contact information, in order to make this information part of its Community
Kiosk Project. Brochures would be displayed in kiosks around town and at booths
at community events. As a result of the process of collecting contacts and
brochures, PfCONA hopes to compile a list of all the Pflugerville organizations and
is interested in calling a meeting (roundtable) of all organization leaders or their
designates, as early as June 5th or 12th. This type of meeting could take place at least
once a year or on an emergency basis. A timely topic is the revitalization of
downtown pflugerville and Pflugerville's rapid growth.
...Pflugerville downtown was platted 100 years ago... by George Pfluger and his son, Albert Pfluger on February 19, 1904....First Gin was built in Pflugerville in 1904...a fire in 1931 destroyed original one but the present one replaced it. Another smaller gin called the "little gin" was in place from 1913-1949. ...St. George's Hotel... was built here in Pflugerville in 1905. It burnt down in 1916. It was not unusual for as many as 30 passengers to get on and off the train daily and stay in the 20 room hotel.
...Texas has 79,000 miles of highway... soon Pflugerville will add at least 7 more miles of Hwy 130 and Hwy 45 to that total.
...Texas has up to 1 billion pieces of litter a year... although there are less cans on the road, for example, there is much more micro litter (e.g., cigarette buts, things that people throw out of their car because they want a clean car).
...Pflugerville Police Officers deliver about 200 PfCONA Welcome Mug Program packets to new Pflugerville residents each month on Saturdays and Sundays as part of a community policing effort. The program is a partnership with the police department and includes crime prevention materials, voter registration, and business coupons, PfCONA materials, and a PfCONA mug. Businesses are sponsors and it is a positive way for police to interact with the citizenry.
...Pflugerville Police Officers inventory street lights that are out every Sunday evening.
****************************** The Kim Williams Company will be presenting its results at a City Council Work Session on Tuesday, April 13th, from 6:30p-7:30p. The implementation strategy, which includes short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals and actions, will be supported by explanation of concepts, existing condition of downtown, and Pflugerville's historical development.
PfCONA has been deeply involved, along with the Pflugerville Downtown Association and the Pflugerville Downtown Planning Committee, in providing feedback to the consultant on their study drafts and input during their initial work sessions, including PfCONA's February 9th meeting, where the consultant presented. PfCONA is preparing a support letter in relation to the study results and is prepared to do so publicly at the April 13th work session. PfCONA has also volunteered and is asking to be appointed to the Downtown Planning Committee, by the City Council. Our request has been submitted via W.C. Kolinek, new committee chair, and had also been presented to Duane Blakeslee, outgoing committee chair.
The primary reason for the master plan study
called for by the City Council was to synthesize various past planning efforts
and build on them in order to revitalize downtown and economic
development. Because Pflugerville is at a crossroads, the master plan will
focus on specific actions that are critical for the positive development of Pflugerville's
downtown business district over the next 10-20 years. The implementation of the
plan could produce a new City Hall complex, gin site redevelopment, former MoKan
railroad site use, Pfluger Tract development, as well as interest in various private
sector retail and office projects. Smaller projects could spin-off from larger
projects. A critical component of the development of downtown is the Architectural Review Board called for in the City's recently revised Site Development Code. The City is seeking 5 professionals from design-related fields such as architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, land development, construction, and citizens at-large to serve on its Architectural Review Board. Members serve without compensation and must be residents for at least two years prior to the date of appointment and must not hold elective office or be employed with the City. Interested persons should submit application to: Karen Thompson, City Secretary, PO Box 589, Pflugerville, TX 78691 or via E-mail to: karent@cityofpflugerville.com. Applications will be accepted until appointments are made. ****************************** CANDIDATES FOR CITY COUNCIL AND SCHOOL BOARD City Council Race: Mayor: Ron Beyer vs. Cat Callen Place 1: Kurt Reece vs. Dick Batten Place 5: Duane Blakeslee (Scott Winton considering)
School Board Race: Place 3: Paul King vs. Bob Settsinger Place 4: Vernagene Mott vs. Sydney Parker Place 5: Perrin Butler vs. Carol Fletcher
Related City NewsBYTES (similar to what is scrolling on PfCONA website main page): Kurt Reece was recently appointed mayor pro-tem. Council appointed Duane Blakeslee on 3/9 to Place 5 vacancy GPCC to host Council Candidate Forum on 4/13 (see calendar below) PfCONA to host Council Candidate Forums (see calendar below) City Manager Steve Jones resigns on 2/24 Chief Buesing, asst. city mgr., appointed to be interim City Manager The Williams Company hired to create master downtown plan has working draft done and will present to council on April 13th - recommends Pflugerville makeover New City Hall feasibility/conceptual plans well underway - may end up on portion of Gin Site - restore old depot/Gin look & feel recommended in master plan including extend main street to FM 685
Note: PfCONA website and next Tidbits newsletter will include information that candidates provide PfCONA for voter reference.
****************************** UPDATE ON A SKATE PARK FOR PFLUGERVILLE
Councilman Pat McCord will be on hand at the April 12th PfCONA meeting to give a more complete update on the possibility of a skate park in Pflugerville and will ask those present for feedback. He has forwarded the following facts to PfCONA:
1) There have been two meetings with the public to gather information regarding the possibility of building a skate park in Pflugerville. 2) At the last meeting, there were 60 people present. 3) The proposal is to ask the city of Pflugerville to consider putting a skate park in the future plans for a Pflugerville park.
4) A skate park would cost approx 250 to 400 K dollars for a concrete facility with multiple skill level areas.
5) The skate community in Pflugerville could be as large as 300 youth, male and female.
6) The County is interested in Pflugerville's decision and may participate if asked.
****************************** PISD PUBLIC FORUMS FOR DISTRICT NEXT 5-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN
PISD requests community
input on Next 5-Year Strategic Plan via a series of public forums to gather community
input. Areas to be discussed include: Technology, Use Success for All Students;
Community Relations and Communication; Parent Involvement and Volunteers in Schools;
Student Environment and School Safety; Facilities; and, Finances. Two forums are
scheduled for this spring: Monday, April 19th, 7p-9p, at Hendrickson High School Cafeteria
and Thursday, May 13th, 7p-9p at Connally High School cafeteria. Two additional forums
will be scheduled in fall 2004. For additional info contact Randy Reese, Director of
Public Information or Debby Utley, Assistant Superintendent at 594-0000.
****************************** LIBRARY TO UNVEIL NEW STAINED GLASS WINDOW On Sunday, April 18th, the Friends of the Pflugerville Community Library invite everyone to attend the dedication of "The Window to the World" from 2p-4p. The stained glass window, designed by Jan Spear, created by Ray Kraemer, and donated by the Friends will be unveiled and a short program will revisit the history of the Library and honor those who helped it grow. Light refreshments will be served.
****************************** [These will be broken
down into their own subsection in the future--they are for reference and PfCONA does not
necessarily support their views or actions]
Citizens United for Responsible Growth (Talahassee and Leon County, IN): www.curg.org
Council of Neighborhood Associations Online (in Bloomington and Monroe County, IN): www.conaonline.org
Council of Neighborhood Associations (in Talahassee and Leon County, FL): www.econa.org
Council of Neighborhood Associations (in Taos County) - not up to date: www.laplaza.org/comm/CNA/
Cypress Creek United Civic Associations (in Houston, TX): www.ccuca.org
St. Augustine Neighborhood Council (FL): Click here for link.
TXDOT Wildflower Hotline (best spots): www.dot.state.tx.us/wflwr/main.htm or call 800-452-9292.See www.pfcona.org for other links available. Also, click here for "Tidbits" e-newsletter archive. Since the website is developing many helpful links, they will be split into categories in the near future.
******************************
Making Places Special: Stories of Real Places Made Better by Planning by Gene Bunnell: (2002). Book description: Although good planning sometimes takes decades to bear fruit, the long-term quality and livability of communities should not be left to chance. The author visited and photographed each city and interviewed hundreds of planners, architects, elected officials, and citizens. Their first-person accounts and Bunnell's insightful narrative describe how planning helped to weave local geography, history, economy and society into a distinctive community fabric. The case studies will inspire planners and anyone who has faith that policy decisions based on solid planning can actually make places better. It's essential reading for planning commissioners, elected officials, and other community leaders who must consider the future impact of today's land and development decisions. Planning instructors will find its illustrated case studies and electronic format ideal for classroom presentations.
A Good Place to Live: Americas Last Migration by Terry Pindell (1995). Book description: Terry Pindell wanted to find a good place to live, a place where community
was still alive, public meeting places existed, social life wasn't relegated to home and
office, and where cars and calendars didn't overwhelm the fabric of friendly interaction.
And Pindell found he wasn't alone, that a wave of humanity (the title migration) was
seeking quality living. So he spent a few years checking the 12 spots that had made it on
most folks' short list, including Minneapolis, Seattle, Santa Fe, New Mexico, Napa,
California, and Missoula, Montana, looking for a place to live in, not just visit.
Click here for archive of past books recommended.****************************** MARK YOUR CALENDARS... Pflugerville Police Bicycle Rodeo and Safety Pfair: [Rescheduled]. On Saturday, April 17th instead of April 3rd due to weather. Will be from 10a-2p at Pflugerville High School parking lot and is free to the public. Call Cpl. Mike Clowdus for more info at 670-5512.
Creekside Eggstravaganza: Saturday, April 3rd, 10a-11:30a, at Creekside Park. Join your neighbors at the 4th Annual Egg Hunt.
City-wide Cleanup: Saturday, April 3rd, 8a-Noon. Sponsored by Keep Pflugerville Beautiful. Volunteer to pull weeds or cleanup. Clear out clutter (spring clean) and take to dumpsters at 300 E. Pecan St. between El Rincon and Gin. No hazardous materials. Call Jill Marsh at 251-2222 to volunteer or just show up.
Easter Pfestival 2004: Saturday, April 3rd at Heritage Park from Noon-3p. Sponsored by Parks and Recreation and KASE 101 Country. Bring a picnic lunch for Noon-1p lunch, wtch Champions Academy of Gymnastics perform at 1p, take Bunny Photos from 1:30p-2:30p, and participate in Egg Hunt at 2:30p. There will also be a moonwalk, crafts, petting zoo, and a clown.
Set Your CLOCKS FORWARD One Hour: Sunday, April 4th at 2a.
Chamber Chatter - City Council Candidates Forum: Tuesday, April 13th. 11:30a, Breakfast Palace (113 E. Pecan St.).
City Council Work Session on Downtown Master Plan: Tuesday, April 13th, 6:30p-7:30p, at City Council Chambers at 100 E. Main St., Suite 500.
Last Day to Register to Vote for City Council Elections: Thursday, April 15th (30 days before election).
Library Unveiling of Stained Glass Window: Sunday, April 18th, 2p-4p. (see related brief above).
PISD Community Forum on Next 5-Years Strategic Plan: Monday, April 19th, 7p-9p, at Hendrickson High School Cafeteria.Relay for Life: Friday and Saturday, Apr. 23-24, Connally High School. It is the first Relay for Life for Pflugerville. Team packets are available at Pflugerville Pflag. Registration contacts: Anita King at kinglabel@att.net; Debby Merritt at Debby.Merritt@cancer.org; or, Emit Ottis at e_ottis@hotmail.com. To volunteer call Jennifer Walker at American Cancer Society at 919-1867. Or, for more information call ACS at 800-ACS-2345.
Car Theft and Child ID Booth at HEB: Friday, April 23rd, 10a-2p. Police department Crime Prevention and Pflugerville Citizens on Patrol will offer VIN Etching, HEAT sign-up, and CHILD ID in the HEB parking lot.Spring Market Days: Saturday, April 24th, 9a-6p - Sunday, April 25, 1p-4p. Vendors will be located on Pecan and Main streets. The Pflugerville Downtown Association seeks arts and crafts vendors to participate. Go to PDA website: www.downtownpflugerville.com for an application or contact Carolyn Graf at 251-8869.
Council Candidates Forum: (tentative) Monday, April 26th, 7p-9p, at Community Justice Center. Sponsored by PfCONA but other sponsors may be added.
School Board Candidates Forum: (tentative) Monday, May 3rd, 7p-9p, at Community Justice Center. Sponsored by PfCONA but other sponsors may be added.
PISD Community Forum on Next 5-Years Strategic Plan: Thursday, May 13th, 7p-9p at Connally High School cafeteria.Deutschen Pfest: Friday-Sunday, May 14-16, Pfluger Park.
Deutschen Pfest Parade: Saturday, May 15th, down N. Railroad Ave to Main St.City Council Election: Saturday, May 15th (during weekend of Deutschen Pfest) Pflugerville Downtown Association 1st Annual Golf Tournament: Sunday, June 27th. For info E-mail: duane@io.com.
Pflugerville Professional Firefighters Association 1st Annual Golf Tournament: Saturday, July 10th. For info call 848-9983 or E-mail drodrig104@aol.com.
GPCC Spring Golf Tournament: Monday, May 3rd at The Golf Club at Star Ranch. Contact GPCC at 251-7799 or gpcc@sbcglobal.net.
Cox Cable Ch. 10 -- City Council Work Sessions, 6:00 p.m. on Wed., Fri., Sun.City Council Meetings, 7:00 p.m. on Wed., Fri., Sun.
Note: See Pflugerville Pflag, City
Newsletter, Cox Channel 10**, Pflugerville Library, or
Bulletin Board outside City Hall for more Pflugerville news, event,
and city council information. Also, see PfCONA website which also has current
events and NewsBYTES on home page and other archived info. Or, subscribe to
weekly Weekly City E-Newsletter by E-mailing city secretary at: webmaster@cityofpflugerville.com. City
website is www.cityofpflugerville.com (city
website will have a new look in the future). MARCH 2004 E-NEWSLETTER Pflugerville Council of Neighborhood Associations
Pfolks and Pfriends, Speaker: Nathan Weiss, PAPCPE (Pflugerville
Area Pfamilies Concerned About Preservation and Enhancement) FYI: TWO OF TXDOT'S THREE GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORT SITE FINALISTS ARE EITHER JUST OUTSIDE OF PFLUGERVILLE ETJ OR IN PORTIONS OF IT In relation to the Pflugerville area...did you know that although citizens have been told that Pflugerville is not being considered as a possible general aviation airport site for the Austin area, two out of the three finalist sites are the distance from the FM685 HEB in Pflugerville to the HEB at IH35/WellsBranch. This distance is about what you would travel to get to the proposed Hutto airport site from our northern city limits as well as the proposed Manor site from our western city limits along E. Pecan St. The Manor site is actually in the Pflugerville School District and portions of Pflugerville's southeast ETJ (near Bird's Nest Airport) according to TXDOT Manor site map online. Pflugerville City Limits and Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Map: www.cityofpflugerville.com/gis/MapPDF/CityLimitMap.pdf TXDOT Airport Site Study (and maps): www.dot.state.tx.us/AVN/airportsitestudy/project.htm To get information on the feasibility study, go to: www.dot.state.tx.us/AVN/airportsitestudy/phase1feasibility.htm The Hutto site is about 2.5 miles north of Rowe La or less than 2 miles from our northern ETJ. Although it is termed the Hutto site it is in the northwest portion corner of the town of Normann's Crossing. The Manor site near Bird's Nest Airport (which should be termed the Pflugerville site since it is in the Pflugerville area and not Manor) is just past the 3700 block of E. Pecan, where Cameron Road continues in its place. That is 3 miles from FM 685, or 2.5 miles from Bohl's Place, or 1.5 miles from Northeast Metropolitan County Park (with Hwy 130 already being built along east side of park). The area of consideration for this Pflugerville area airport crosses our ETJ in two areas (a portion of Cameron Road South and Cameron Road East) and the potential footprint of the airport crosses into our ETJ (across from Cameron Road East). Most of the airport however appears to be in Austin's ETJ which begins on the south side of Cameron Road East while Pflugerville's ETJ is on the north side of Cameron Road East. All this land is just south of the area originally considered when Pflugerville had looked at doing an airport a few years back but decided not to. If an airport goes in either of the two areas, planes would fly directly over or circle future Pflugerville homes and businesses to be built to the east of Hwy 130 and could possibly fly over any other Pflugerville neighborhood. With a 7,000 foot runway, although the airport's intended use is small planes/jets, such a runway could also handle cargo planes (e.g., UPS or FedEx), according to an editorial in the Hutto Herald. That same editorial claims that La Guardia airport is 625 acres while the proposed general aviation airport will be 800 acres in size. In relation to Pflugerville neighborhoods, know that both the Creekside Neighborhood Association and Gatlinburg Neighborhood Association have had Rick Murphy, Executive Director of the Pflugerville Community Development Corporation (PCDC) come speak at their recent neighbohood meetings. Bohls Place/Bohl's Crossing Neighborhood Association has been involved in the PfCONA Community Food Drive during February on behalf of the North Rural Community Center (NRCC). They also just had a quarterly meeting in January and are lining up a Boy Scout Troop that wants to offer their services to neighborhood residents for the PfCONA Curb Crime Appeal. The Appeal is for Pflugerville area residents to have their addresses painted on the curb in order to help first reponders find their home in an emergency, since at least 50% of Pflugerville homes do not have numbers on their curb or their home itself. In relation to PfCONA happenings, know that some PfCONA Communication Committee members are drafting a PfCONA pamphlet to give members and potential members an idea of how they can become involved in PfCONA and/or their own neighborhood. A tri-fold brochure is also being developed to give an overview of PfCONA and PfCONA membership information/application. This information will become part of the future Kiosk Displays that PfCONA is attempting to have put around town with all of Pflugerville's various organizations having their brochures displayed as well. Know that PfCONA has officially become a partner of the Pflugerville Downtown Association (PDA). It will also have a booth at upcoming Market Days on April 24-25 and November 20-21. It has also offered to help again with putting out Market Days signs as well as help with PDA website enhancements. As mentioned in last Tidbits, PfCONA has been in contact with a Study Circles trainer about future group moderator and scribe training. Study Circles is a process of gaining community or group input and opinion on topics of importance. A meeting is being held with Jon Abercrombie on March 11th or 12th. More details on the results of this meeting to follow. Again, it should be mentioned that PfCONA has two new E-mails. You may send to: PfCONA@aol.com or info@pfcona.org (E-mail posted on PfCONA website). PfCONA also has had more than 17,000 visitors to its website since it was begun. It started out with 100 visitors a week, then 200, and now has more than 300 per week (does not include individual page views). NOTE: With a new year upon us, it is time to recruit people like you to become part of the PfCONA action network. Just as kids are right now signing up for baseball, kickball, soccer, etc., we want to sign you up as a member or associate member. Click here for PfCONA 2004 application. PfCONA can help connect you with what's going on in Pflugerville so you can make a difference in our community--through your words and actions. ***************************** DID YOU KNOW... ...Hutto now has a home rule charter since it has 5,000 residents as of 8/03 and it also now has a one-mile ETJ, paid city council, and all on city boards must live in city limits ...Groundbreaking for Water Reservoir was held on Feb. 27. It is the largest capitalimprovement project every undertaken by the city.
****************************** Presidential Primary: Tuesday, March 9. See sample ballot at: http://www.co.travis.tx.us/county_clerk/election/sample.asp. (there are also two constitutional amendments on the ballot and other races) Star (Gazing) Party at Library: Friday, March 12 (rain date: 3/19), 11:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. See Jupiter and Saturn through a telescope. For more info call: 251-9185. City Council Election Filing Deadline: Monday, March 15. Last Day to Register to Vote for City Council Elections: Thursday, April 15 (30 days before election). Relay for Life: Friday and Saturday, Apr. 23 and 24, Connally High School. It is the first Relay for Life for Pflugerville. Team packets are available at Pflugerville Pflag. Registration contacts: Anita King at kinglabel@att.net; Debby Merritt at Debby.Merritt@cancer.org; or, Emit Ottis at e_ottis@hotmail.com. To volunteer or participate come to next meeting Thursday, Jan. 14, 6pm-7pm at Pflugerville Library. To volunteer call Jennifer Walker at American Cancer Society at 919-1867. Or, for more information call ACS at 800-ACS-2345. Deutschen Pfest: Friday-Sunday, May 14-16, Pfluger Park. City Council Election: Saturday, May 15 (during weekend of Deutschen Pfest) Cox Cable Ch. 10 -- City Council Work Sessions, 6:00 p.m. on Wed., Fri., Sun.City Council Meetings, 7:00 p.m. on Wed., Fri., Sun. Note: See Pflugerville Pflag, City Newsletter, Cox Channel 10**, or Bulletin Board at City Hall for more news and event information. Also, see PfCONA website which also has current events on home page. Or, subscribe to weekly Weekly City E-Newsletter by E-mailing city secretary at: webmaster@cityofpflugerville.com. City website is www.cityofpflugerville.com (city website will have a new look in the future). **regularly updated unless there is a technical glitch ****************************** Rod Reyna, PfCONA Chair/Communications Committee 626-2250 (cell) www.pfcona.org PFCONA Member Notes: E-mail neighborhood happenings to PfCONA for sharing with others (or share at upcoming meetings). Neighborhoods are also encouraged to send stories to the Pflag. Mountain Creek was recently highlighted in the Pflag. *For those wishing to join or with memberships pending, $10 yearly dues (from January to December) can be sent to (checks made out to PfCONA): Attn: PfCONA Chair, c/o Pflugerville Police Department, PO Box 679, Pflugerville, TX 78691. Or, drop off to Michelle Pundt at PPD. Dues were initiated in January 2003 and renewals are for 2004 year.
FEBRUARY 2004 E-NEWSLETTER Pflugerville
Council of Neighborhood Associations Pfolks and Pfriends, 1) Speaker: Kim Williams, City Master Plan Consultant 2) Project VOTE! Pflugerville Area Voter Registration 3) PfCONA 2004 Draft Calendar Review 5) Mayor/Councilman/Chief Comments & Questions 6) Neighborhood Community Announcements Councilman Pat McCord, Mayor Scott Winton, and Chief David Buesing are scheduled to be present. Chuck Larosche, city councilman, is scheduled to come to the March PfCONA meeting. The meeting is intended for city/ETJ neighborhood residents and leaders. Bring a neighbor, family member, or friend. Click here for past minutes of meetings (includes most recent from December and January). Meetings are always held on second Monday of the month. ****************************** In relation to Pflugerville, the City has recently hired The Willliams Company, a full service architectural firm, to develop a master plan for downtown, keeping in mind planning efforts and code revisions the city has undertaken the past two years as well as other efforts:
1) City Comprehensive Plan (Click here to view two maps on city site) 2) Downtown Site Development Code developed
by Duncan Associates 3) Pflugerville Downtown Planning Committee (city committee) plan 4) Pflugerville Community Development Corporation city branding study 5) Envision Central Texas downtown concept plan (Click here for copy on PfCONA site) 6) Keep Pflugerville Beautiful (city committee) plans for gateway 7) Parks and Recreation plan for present/future trails and parks 8) TX Dept of Transportation plans for roads/highways/MOKAN right of way 9) GPCC Tourism Task Force (recently formed) 10)PfCONA Setting Our Direction for Pflugerville's Future document (Click here for copy on PfCONA site)
Kim Williams, principal, who founded the firm in 1983, possesses 24 years of historic preservation experience locally, statewide, and internationally, and has worked on over 100 prominent historic landmark projects. His firm may be working with another architectural firm, Croslin and Associates, that the city council approved via a 3/11/03 council meeting consent agenda to do: a needs assessment/feasability study; conceptual/preliminary design (schematic) for a new city hall/city council chambers; and, probable cost in order to see if the voters may wish to pay for one. The plan is meant to bring city hall functions under one roof. The city council has previously talked about putting the building downtown, perhaps somewhere on the Gin Site, which is near intersection of N. Railroad and E. Pecan. A visitor center/museum is an idea being floated, that may look like an old Pflugerville train depot and be alongside the old cattle loading dock that is still there now (for loading onto trains). The council will want to know if residents wish to keep Old Gin look and feel, etc.
In relation to recent correspondence by PfCONA chair with The Williams Company on 1/23/04:
Mr. Williams, Great meeting on Wednesday night!...I am excited about what your company can do for our community. I was impressed with your knowledge and plain common sense approach during your Pflugerville Downtown Planning Committee presentation this past Wednesday night at city council chambers...I think you are going to be able to moderate/bring together the various opinions and planning that has been underway for the past couple of years. We are a tremendous crossroads.
I have attached a "Setting Our Direction for Pflugerville's Future document", which PfCONA has developed. Perhaps it can be of some use for you along with the many other documents you are reviewing, in order to come up with a master plan.*
Note: I have a tape of Envision Central TX presentation on Pflugerville concept plan from October 1, 2003. I also have a tape of Pflugerville Downtown Development Forum hosted by PfCONA in July 2003...Also, I'll ask Steve Jones if the city wouldn't mind you coming to our next PfCONA meeting on Feb. 9th at 7pm. at Pflugerville Justice Center.
*List of documents the city had developed and planning activities were listed (they are noted in description of The Williams Company at top of this E-mail).
Response from The Williams Company to PfCONA Chair on 1/26/04:
Thank you for your beneficial phone
call and the attached info. I had not received any of this info. or data and it is
strategic to properly developing a downtown plan that is objective and comprehensive in
nature. I hear that the citizens have seen or heard of much planning but are quite
interested in seeing results and results that reflect their input. This approach is
definitely a part and consistent with our firms philosophy. Your comments at the
meeting that" my words and approach are almost too good to be true" is
both appreciated and a challenge. However in my older age of wisdom through
experience, I have learned that a comprehensive master plan can be worth gold and almost
any worthy vision is attainable when their is consensus and commitment by all
stakeholders'''. I have observed and participated in many such plans. And several
processes have commenced implementation of some work items before the plan is
complete. I sincerely believe that Pflugerville has all of the right ingredients and
solid footing to make the next big step. I am honored and excited to be a part of
this landmark process. Do not hesitate to contact me as we progress into the
planning. Thanks again for your comments and info.
In relation to PfCONA happenings, know that on January 31st, PfCONA had an Executive Committee Retreat to plan the PfCONA 2004 calendar. The retreat, possibly the first ever, was based on priorities/direction that members determined at the January 12th PfCONA meeting. The January meeting brought about an election of PfCONA officers and they successfully drafted a calendar at retreat for presentation at February 9th PfCONA meeting. The calendar includes things related to community and neighborhood issues as well as PfCONA committee projects/activities: safety; communication; exec committee/membership; and, partnerships. Those involved in retreat included Sally Gannaway of Bohl's Place; Mario Galliano of Creekside; Clay Leben of Gatlinburg and PfCONA Communications Committee Chair; Nancy Ramsey of Katymead and PfCONA Secretary/Treasurer; Cecilia Galliano of Creekside and PfCONA Vice Chair; Rod Reyna of Saxony and PfCONA Chair; Chief David Buesing of Pflugerville Police Department/City of Pflugerville and PfCONA Advisor; and, Mayor Scott Winton of City Council and PfCONA Advisor. The executive committee was informed that Graham Nelson, the recent President of Creekside, was invited to chair the PfCONA Partnerships Committee if he so chooses.
On another note, at most recent Pflugerville Downtown Planning Committee meeting on January 21st, PfCONA mentioned to Duane Blakeslee, chair, that we would like to be represented on their committee. More details on this to follow.
On yet another note, PfCONA has received materials on the Study Circles Process, which is a method Windermere Area Neighborhood Watch, the Pflugerville Police Department, and the Pflugerville Area Community Council used almost 10 years ago to get citizen input on community issues. The issue considered at that time was neighborhood safety/crime. PfCONA is in contact with a related Study Circles trainer about future group moderator and scribe training. More details on this to follow.
Last, PfCONA has two new E-mails. You may send to: PfCONA@aol.com or info@pfcona.org (E-mail posted on PfCONA website). PfCONA also has had more than 17,000 visitors to its website since it was begun. It started out with 100 visitors a week, then 200, and now has more than 300 per week (does not include individual page views).
In relation to neighborhoods, Gatlinburg is already looking into becoming involved in PfCONA's Curb Crime Appeal that began developing in December 2003. The Saxony president is also going to be presenting this at Saxony's February 8th meeting. Appeal involves painting address numbers on a home curb in order to help first responders find the proper home quickly in an emergency.
NOTE: With a new year upon us, it is time to recruit people like you to become part of the PfCONA action network. Just as kids are right now signing up for baseball, kickball, soccer, etc., we want to sign you up as a member or associate member. Click here for PfCONA 2004 application. PfCONA can help connect you with what's going on in Pflugerville so you can make a difference in our community--through your words and actions.
***CITY ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD*** The City of Pflugerville is seeking professionals from design-related fields such as architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, land development, and construction, and citizens at-large to serve on its Architectural Review Board. Members serve without compensation and must be residents of the City for at least 2 years prior to the date of appointment and must not hold elective office or be employed with the City. Interested persons should submit application to: Karen Thompson, City Secretary, P.O. Box 589, Pflugerville, TX 78691 or via e-mail to: karent@cityofpflugerville.com. Application deadline is February 18, 2004.
***************************** COX CH. 10 SCHEDULE: CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSIONS BEFORE COUNCIL MEETINGS NOW BEING BROADCAST ON COX CH. 10 (PLUS ECT PRESENTATION) City Council meetings have been broadcast at 7:00 p.m. the Wednesday and Friday after the Tuesday council meeting. Work Sessions held before them have now been added at 6:00 p.m. PfCONA has asked the city secretary if a weekend showing of council meetings may be added as well as additional showings of workshop sessions. The current Cox Ch. 10 schedule is as follows:*
City Council Work Sessions, 6:00 p.m. on Wed., Fri., Sun.(Currently session is in regard to Downtown Master Plan being done by The Williams Co.) City Council Meetings, 7:00 p.m. on Wed., Fri., Sun.Envision
Central Texas Downtown Concept Plan Presentation, *Let the city secretary know that you appreciate the programs being broacast. Know that the Pflugerville Library has copies of these tapes for home viewing in their Reference Section.
*****************************
Members of the Pflugerville Downtown Association (PDA), an organization which PfCONA has been partnering with, discussed at their February 4th Luncheon that they were going to begin courting a hotel to our area, since no such efforts appear to be underway for various reasons or another. PfCONA will be involved in this data collection process as well since it may be great if we had a full-service hotel that could bring conventions, tourism, meeting space to this area. Contact Gwen Blakeslee at 251-5611 if you wish to become involved, have any leads, or wish to give your opinion about bringing one in our area. You can also send your comments, for forwarding to the PDA, to pfcona@aol.com.
***************************** P RECINCT 2 CONSTABLE OFFERING "TAGSTER" SPRAY FOR GRAFFITI CLEANUP
Constable Bob Vann came to PfCONA's January meeting to announce he is offering a spray bottle product called "Tagster" for free to neighborhood leaders who wish to use it. A waiver has to be signed by anyone who wants to use it. Know that it is a strong product and it can easily take off paint from a sign, for example, that you do not wish to remove. Contact his office at: 854-9697 or info@constable2.com.
*****************************
On a local level, the consulting firm, one of the best of the best, is currently developing the city's new master plan for the City of Pflugerville is using the Pflugerville Downtown Concept Plan as one of many points of reference. The city council asked ECT to produce this plan, which it did for free, and now the input produced by 71 Pflugerville residents is having an impact. PfCONA has a copy of downtown consensus map that was developed. You may also click here for copy of plan on PfCONA site.
On a regional level, a February 11th ECT Leadership Workshop will include PfCONA representatives (Nancy Ramsey, Carol Fletcher, Martha Lemieux on behalf of PfCONA and Mayor Scott Winton on behalf of city). Elected/public officials from across the region were invited to participate. ECT is hosting this interactive event for leaders to take a first-hand look at the vision taking shape for our region's future over the next 20-40 years, based on a recent first of its kind survey of 12,500 Central Texans.Since ECT announced the survey results just before the holidays, its board of directors has been using the raw data feedback as the backbone for drafting a regional vision for Central Texas. As promised, this is an opportunity to see the draft vision first and for stakeholders to provide input at this critical stage of the process on behalf of affected communities.
ECT thanks the 12,500 Central Texans (1 out of
every 100 residents) who completed their recent regional survey online and through
newspaper inserts between October 6th and October 31st. The survey results
indicate that people are very concerned about how we will maintain our quality of life if
the region's population doubles, and there is consensus throughout the five-county region
something must be done to prepare for growth. Respondents indicated a willingness to
embrace change and a strong preference for a regional vision. They also favored solutions
that would guide the area away from current patterns of growth.
***************************** PFLUGERVILLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BRANDING STUDY
The intent by three UT of Austin student teams was to develop a comprehensive branding strategy for the city of Pflugerville. The PCDC is mulling over their results which included the following basic excerpts from their presentations:
Team 1: – -Increase visibility of Pflugerville among developers -Give voice to a strong brand identity to increase positive awareness and associations with the City Pflugerville as a place for business -developers need to build in a place where they feel confident the community will nurture and support their business
Team 2: -make Pflugerville a magnet to which developers are drawn -create cooperative working relationships among town organizations -Pflugerville is the next big thing -develop a retention and growth strategy for existing businesses -inspire community to support the identity
Team 3: -attract and influence development that will allow the city to grow, without losing its position as a family-oriented community -connect with developers -connect with other city officials, community groups, and residents -keep everyone informed and connect with the press -cultivate environment that encourages involvement (go to them)
The following brand sayings were introduced:
Team 1: "Pflugerville, another way to spell community" Team 2: "Uncommon name, Uncommon potential" Team 3: "Connecting Central Texas" (in
relation to new SH130 and SH45)
Click here for Economic Development Strategic Plan developed in August 2002 by PCDC. Click here for agendas and minutes (complete minutes for two recent meetings do not appear to be on city website). For more info E-mail Rick Murphy, PCDC Executive Director at: rickm@cityofpflugerville.com.
Note: Perhaps the following brand saying could be used: Blaze a Trail in Pflugerville! This was brought up at January PfCONA meeting. Since Pflugerville is best known for its trails, not just Austin, this just might work. We're a walking town, walking our neighborhoods and hope to make downtown more walkable, too. It is an exciting and unique anthem to encourage developers to break new ground here, bring services we need and want, and to partner with our community as we grow and develop. Plus, we're blazing a new portion of SH130 and SH45 right through our area and more neighborhood trails are going in all the time. The media campaign could incorporate what UT teams came up with:
Blaze a Trail in Pflugerville!
Why? Because Pflugerville is a city with an uncommon name and uncommon potential. Join us in connecting Central Texas and serving our many pfamilies (or rooftops or homes, households, etc.).
• ****************************** DID YOU KNOW...
...Buda has an "Old Town" too.
...Hutto is restoring its old Gin and may end up having a private airport
...Manor residents have been protesting a private airport
...Pfluger Tract across from HEB is zoned agriculture
...A medical school may come to the Travis County/Williamson County line area in the next four years
...about 200 new residents move to Pflugerville every month. They sure have responded to "Wilkommen."
****************************** None added this month but other changes have been made to website. A web counter was added to main page, a search function was added to main page, PayPal payment capability was added to "How to Be a Member" page, and new PfCONA E-mails were created: PfCONA@aol.com and info@pfcona.org. Last, a form to forward comments to PfCONA is being developed and a web discussion board is being developed.
See www.pfcona.org for other links available. Also, click here for "Tidbits"
e-newsletter archive. Councils of Neighborhood Association type links (from
around the country) will be added in the near future. Also, since the website is
developing many helpful links, they will be split into categories in the near future. City Council Election Filing Packets Available: As of Tuesday, February 3. Pickup at City Hall.
Tree Planting at Pfluger Park: Saturday, Febuary 7, 9:00 a.m. Meet at back entrance via Park Access Road. Call 251-5082 for more info.
Last Day to Register to Vote for Texas Presidential Primary: Monday, February 9 (30 days before election). You can do so via (or update your registration online): www.texasonline.state.tx.us/travisco/voter/home.htm.
Meeting on Skating Park in Pflugerville: Monday, February 16, 7:00 p.m., in City Council Chambers behind City Hall.
PISD Advanced Academics Information Night: Monday, February 23, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., at Springhill Elementary.
Pflugerville Police Banquet: Monday, March 1, 7:00 p.m., at St. Elizabeth's Church Hall. Citizens on Patrol, Victim Services, Neighborhood Conference Committee Members, and Officers and Staff and their families are invited. Recognition includes C.O.P. of the Year, NCC Person of the Year, Outstanding Neighborhood Watch, Outstanding National Night Out, Officer of the Year, Lifesaving Awards, Meritorious Conduct, and Employee of the Year.
Presidential Primary: Tuesday, March 9. See sample ballot at: http://www.co.travis.tx.us/county_clerk/election/sample.asp.
Star (Gazing) Party at Library: Friday, March 12 (rain date: 3/19), 11:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. See Jupiter and Saturn through a telescope. For more info call: 251-9185.
City Council Election Filing Deadline: Monday, March 15.
Last Day to Register to Vote for City Council Elections: Thursday, April 15 (30 days before election).
Relay for Life: Friday and Saturday, Apr. 23 and 24, Connally High School. It is the first Relay for Life for Pflugerville. Team packets are available at Pflugerville Pflag. Registration contacts: Anita King at kinglabel@att.net; Debby Merritt at Debby.Merritt@cancer.org; or, Emit Ottis at e_ottis@hotmail.com. To volunteer or participate come to next meeting Thursday, Jan. 14, 6pm-7pm at Pflugerville Library. To volunteer call Jennifer Walker at American Cancer Society at 919-1867. Or, for more information call ACS at 800-ACS-2345.
Deutschen Pfest: Friday-Sunday, May 14-16, Pfluger Park.
City Council Election: Saturday, May 15 (during weekend of Deutschen Pfest)
Note: See Pflugerville Pflag, City
Newsletter, Cox Channel 10**, or Bulletin
Board at City Hall for more news and event information. Also, see PfCONA
website which also has current events on home page. Or, subscribe to
weekly Weekly City E-Newsletter by E-mailing city secretary at: webmaster@cityofpflugerville.com. City
website is www.cityofpflugerville.com (city
website will have a new look in the future). JANUARY 2004 E-NEWSLETTER Pflugerville Council of Neighborhood Associations Pfolks and
Pfriends, ****************************** JANUARY 12TH PfCONA MEETING The January 12th, 7pm-8:30pm agenda includes: 1) Dialogue on PfCONA 2004 Priorities, Partnerships, and Plan 2) Community-building Reports 3) Mayor/Councilman/Chief Comments & Questions 4) Neighborhood Community Announcements Councilman Kurt Reece, Mayor Scott Winton, and Chief David Buesing will be present. The meeting is intended for city/ETJ neighborhood residents and leaders. Click here for past minutes of meetings (most recent to soon be posted). ****************************** The Holidays are behind us but the New Year is upon us. Bohl's, Springbrook, and Creekside sponsored Christmas decoration contests. PfCONA also sponsored a Christmas Decoration & Lights Contest. Click here for 2003 results on PfCONA website, including honorable mentions. Overall, there are homes recognized from 12 neighborhoods in the city and ETJ. Thanks go to Nancy Ramsey and Allegra Azulay from PfCONA and Belinda Beyer and Jill Marsh from Keep Pflugerville Beautiful for judging this year's contest. Gatlinburg, by the way, had a Halloween home decoration contest.
On the subject of homes, the Pflugerville Circle of Pfriends had their Tour of Homes on Dec. 14, beginning at the Pflugerville Country Gallery. More than 100 tickets were sold for $10 apiece, a bake sale was held, and a raffle of eight wreaths also raised funds (tickets were 2 for $5). Funds were raised for the Children's Hospital of Austin. There were five houses on the tour, all decorated for Christmas (such as the Bower home and Beyer home), with a welcoming committee for each one. You could go through the houses on your own. Next year the event will start at the Pflugerville Country Gallery again.
Helen Mary Marek with Creekside informed PfCONA that 1/2 of the 375 homes in Creekside participated in the Creekside Food Drive during December on behalf of the North Rural Community Center in Pflugerville. This was also Creekside's way of participating in PfCONA's NRCC Food Drive, which has involved neighborhoods rotating doing a food drive each month for NRCC. Helen Mary said over 1,400 food items were picked up. They had some neighbors help pick up food plus LOTS of help from the Cub Scouts of Pack 311,Girl Scouts from Troop 664, Boy Scouts from Troops 157 and 4277, and their family members and leaders. A resident who delivered the food to NRCC said the following to Helen Mary:
"I delivered the goods this morning at 8:15 to the new center which just opened 2 weeks ago, really nice building and facility, with separate offices for the health clinic and food bank. They had a long line of folks waiting for food requests in lobby, 12-15. A guy at the office helped me unload. They really needed the food, and didn't have a real large storage area. I'd estimate our donation matched 30%-45% of what they already had in stock. So we about doubled what they had on shelves. Our collection was a real eye opener for them."
Saxony is still raffling pool memberships for $1/ticket or $5 for 6. The raffle will be held on Feb. 5th just after its Feb. 1 Saxony Quarterly Meeting. Saxony is also doing $25 trial one month memberships for new members in May.
With a new year, it is time to recruit people like you to become part of the PfCONA network. Just as kids are right now signing up for baseball and soccer, we want to sign you up as a member or associate member. Click here for PfCONA 2004 application. PfCONA can help connect you with what's going on in Pflugerville so you can make a difference in our community--through your words and actions.
***NEW SPEED LIMITS ON ALMOST 100 CITY STREETS*** Many neighborhoods will have new speed limits on certain streets (or sections of them) as a result of changes to at least 93 streets involved. Ordinance No. 731-03-12-16 (Chapter 72) was voted on at the Dec. 16 council special meeting. Some areas include school zone speed changes. Click here for PDF file showing proposed ordinance. Approved ordinance does not appear to be on city website nor do any other ordinances for that matter. Contact city secretary at 251-3076 for a copy.
***************************** PFLUGERVILLE BRANDING STUDY FOR PCDC 1/7 E-mail from Rick Murphy re: PfCONA's correspondence regarding study results (after PfCONA reviewed CD-rom PCDC provided of three presentations made by UT students): The next step is the PCDC board will discuss the various presentations to see if we can come to a concensus as to the direction we would like to take.
Take a look at the presentations. I suspect what you will find is NO ONE group stood out head and shoulders above the others. My gut feel is we are going to find good ideas in each of the presentations that we may be able to incorporate into our marketing effort and positioning strategy.
I would welcome any input from PFCONA. I will try as best as possible to incorporate any of the ideas and positioning strategies that PFCONA has to offer, understanding of course, I report to my board and they have the final say.
Except for some posters there was no other written data. The project was the CD's and the presentations that we held before the Council and the PCDC board.
If you decide to present these to PFCONA, let me know. I'd be happy to participate in trying to explain the process, what we were (are) trying to accomplish and listening to the neighborhoods thoughts.
Note: PfCONA provided a
draft list of 60 or so Pflugerville civic organizations (including all neighborhood
organizations) to the UT Branding Study Teams (there were three teams). PfCONA did
so because it sees the need to have all civic leaders brought together for the purpose of
beginning to present the branding study results to the broader community. PfCONA is
also interested in helping convene such a meeting as well using what is called a Study
Circles process (used in the past in Pflugerville to gain citizen input--was well
attended). A Pflugerville Area Community Council used to exist in the past (fka
Travis County Northeast Community Justice Council). Perhaps something like that can be
rejuvenated if necessary to bring all community leaders together at least once per year or
as needed. They all have a vested interest in the community. This type of
group and its members could also be utilized in an emergency as an arm or resource of the
Emergency Operations Center of the city. The group could be used to further update
or adopt the "Directions" document. The push by PfCONA termed "Project VOTE!" since the last city council election to get more of our 10,000 registered voters to the polls will only get stronger this year. Our goal is to double the amount that voted--only 500 voted then so we're going for 1,000 in next council election. It doen't hurt to try and to see if we can determine why people are not getting to the polls.
Until then, in Texas, the March 9th Presidential Primary is coming up and that is a good warm-up. Precinct conventions are usually held just after polling locations close.
For the March 9th Texas Primary Plan to: -get out and vote -to get out the vote -and to have your friends register to vote by Feb. 9th if they have not. You can register to vote or update your registration online at: www.texasonline.state.tx.us/travisco/voter/home.htm.
For a list of upcoming elections go to: http://www.co.travis.tx.us/county_clerk/election/dates.asp.
For sample ballots posted online go to:
Note: St. Elizabeth
Church had a Community Voter Registration Drive of its own on Dec. 6th and
7th. Perhaps other organizations or churches might consider doing the same.
***************************** At the last PfCONA meeting an idea was floated to have neighborhoods become involved in (or recommend to homeowners how to) having address numbers painted on homeowner curbs or at least have a visible address on front of the home. This could be a partnership between PfCONA and neighborhoods to help first responders find and get to a home in an emergency. At least 50% or more homes do not have any identifying markers or they are not readily visible or are faded. More details to follow in the coming months, including seeing if this is a way to for neighborhoods to do fundraising.
***************************** The September and October 2003 PfCONA meetings focused on critical issues in Pflugerville. The input at these meetings was incorporated into PfCONA's "Setting Our Direction for Pflugerville's Future" document. This document came about in July 2001 when community leaders responded to a PfCONA invite to discuss what was "working well" in Pflugerville and "what needed attention" in relation to public safety, parks and recreation, transportation and roads, quality of life issues, and miscellaneous. Mayo Neyland, consultant, facilitated the work session to produce the document. Some of the issues identified in the initial document have since been accomplished, are in the works, or still need attention. Others things not identified have developed. Perhaps a future meeting of community leaders can be convened to further update the document to get an even broader sense of what the community wants--direction for Pflugerville's future. Click here for page that has latest document and initial document.
****************************** -For rechargeable batteries: In the U.S.: Best Buy, Black & Decker, Cingular Wireless, Home Depot, RadioShack, Staples, and Target. To find the nearest collection site, visit www.rbrc.org, or call 1-800-8-Battery.
E.g.: Worn out batteries for
Laptops, cell phones, PDAs, cordless power tools, camcorders, and remote control toys.
-For oil, filters,
and tires: ******************************
PISD now has a Public Information Announcement line that will carry a variety of pre-recorded information and will be utilized to announce school closings and emergency information. The number is 594-0001.
******************************
Turning to One Another: Simple Conversations to Restore Hope to the Future by Margaret Wheatley (2002.She says in her book, I believe we can change the world if we start listening to one another again...simple, truthful conversation where we each have a chance to speak, we each feel heard, and we each listen well. Human conversation is the most ancient and easiest way to cultivate the conditions for change--personal change, community and organizational change, planetary change.
On Dialogue by David Bohm (1996).Book description: "During the past few decades, modern technology, with radio, television, air travel and satellites has woven a network of communications which puts each part of the world into almost instant contact with all the other parts. Yet, in spite of this world-wide system of linkages, there is, at every moment, a general feeling that communication is breaking down everywhere, on an unparalleled scale." The question of how we can communicate better is at the heart of On Dialogue.
The Argument Culture: Moving from Debate to Dialogue by Deborah Tannen (1998).Book description: It is about a pervasive warlike atmosphere that makes us approach anything we need to accomplish as a fight between two opposing sides. It rests on the assumption that opposition is the best way to get anything done. Tannen shows how deeply entrenched this cultural tendency is, the forms it takes, and how it affects us every day--sometimes in useful ways, but often causing, rather than avoiding, damage.
****************************** Gatlinburg Neighborhood Association revised weblink: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GNA/.
Pflugerville Downtown Association new weblink: www.downtownpflugerville.com
Pflugerville Lions Club: www.lionsdistrict2s3.org/pflugerville.htm
National Association of Town Watch: www.nationaltownwatch.org
Community Oriented Policing Services Office: www.cops.usdoj.gov
CDC Emergency Preparedness and Response: www.bt.cdc.gov/
National Neighborhood Coalition: www.neighborhoodcoalition.org
Downtown Research and Development Center: www.downtowndevelopment.com/
Vital Communities (revitalization/reinvention): www.vitalcommunities.com
Community Building Institute: www.xavier.edu/cbi/
Texas State Directory (TX govt info): www.txdirectory.com/online/
See www.pfcona.org for other
links available. Also, click here for "Tidbits"
e-newsletter archive. Councils of Neighborhood Association type links (from
around the country) will be added in the near future. Also, since the website is
developing many helpful links, they will be split into categories in the near future. Registration for Spring 2004 - Pflugerville Little League: Jan. 10 and 17 from 9am-1pm at Pflugerville Elem.; Jan. 24 and 27 at PLL Fields; Field Maintenance Days: Jan. 24 and Feb. 21; Tryouts: Jan. 31 and Feb. 7. See www.eteamz.com/pflugerville for more info. Info line is 251-5707.
Registration for Recreational Soccer - PAYSL: Jan. 24 and 31 from 9am-3pm at Chisholm Point Community Center at 900 Broken Feather (off Olympic Dr). See www.paysl.org/ for more details.
Last Day to Register to Vote for Texas Presidential Primary: Monday, February 9 (see related brief above).
Presidential Primary: Tuesday, March 9 (see related brief above).
Relay for Life: Friday and Saturday, Apr. 23 and 24, Connally High School. It is the first Relay for Life for Pflugerville. Team packets are available at Pflugerville Pflag. Registration contacts: Anita King at kinglabel@att.net; Debby Merritt at Debby.Merritt@cancer.org; or, Emit Ottis at e_ottis@hotmail.com. To volunteer or participate come to next meeting Thursday, Jan. 14, 6pm-7pm at Pflugerville Library. To volunteer call Jennifer Walker at American Cancer Society at 919-1867. Or, for more information call ACS at 800-ACS-2345.
City Council Meetings on Cox Ch. 10: Air on Wednesdays and Friday at 7:00 p.m. the week the meeting occured.
ALARM PERMITS EXPIRED on December 31st. Permit applications can be picked up at 1611 E. Pfenning Ln or downloaded from www.cityofpflugerville.com. Call 251-4004 with questions or to setup a Close Patrol of your home or business when necessary.Note: See Pflugerville Pflag, City Newsletter, Cox Channel 10**, or Bulletin Board at City Hall for more news and event information. Also, see PfCONA website which also has current events on home page. Or, subscribe to weekly Weekly City E-Newsletter by E-mailing city secretary at: webmaster@cityofpflugerville.com. City website is www.cityofpflugerville.com (city website will have a new look in the future). **regularly updated unless there is a technical glitch ****************************** PFCONA Member Notes: E-mail neighborhood happenings to PfCONA for sharing with others (or share at upcoming meetings). Neighborhoods are also encouraged to send stories to the Pflag. *For those wishing to join or with memberships pending, $10 yearly dues (from January to December) can be sent to (checks made out to PfCONA): Attn: PfCONA Chair, c/o Pflugerville Police Department, PO Box 679, Pflugerville, TX 78691. Or, drop off to Michelle Pundt at PPD. Dues were initiated in January 2003 and renewals are for 2004 year. DECEMBER 2003 E-NEWSLETTER Pflugerville
Council of Neighborhood Associations Pfolks and Pfriends, -Address # on Curb or Homes for Emergency Response -Pflugerville
Branding Study -Turning in 2004 PfCONA Membership Applications -2004
Officer nominations A Pflugerville Branding Focus Group followed the meeting, setup for PfCONA members wishing to participate. Seven neighborhood reps took part. It was led by two UT graduate students. Since that meeting PfCONA worked with another graduate student who asked us for input and feedback on various study items. PfCONA also provided the study team a lengthy list of various community groups (still being collected/updated) that should be contacted for input/feedback as well as invited to a presentation of their study results. Since that call, a 2.5 hour presentation was made by their team to City Council and the PCDC. Hopefully a larger presentation on the study results can still be done in the near future with various community organizations represented. Community leaders are like block contacts in a neighborhood. They are a link to vested groups in our community, which subsequently are a link to their members/households/citizens. Their possibe "buy-in" is important in such a matter. This year has been an important one since other things are still being digested by the community and its leaders, such as the City's new Comprehensive Plan, Site Development Code for Downtown (includes Pflugerville Downtown Planning Committee recommendations), and Envision Central Texas - Pflugerville Concept Plan. ****************************** WHAT'S GOING ON IN PFLUGERVILLE AREA, NEIGHBORHOODS, & PFCONA? There's
a lot going on in the Pflugerville area. Downtown businesses, in cooperation with Parks
and Rec, just had their Market Days and businesses have put up wreaths, white
lights, and red ribbon that Keep Pflugerville Beautiful provided, all over the place.
The Pflugerville Downtown Association (PDA) would like you to continue to SHOP DOWNTOWN
PFLUGERVILLE and the Greater Pflugerville Chamber of Commerice would like you to SHOP
GREATER PFLUGERVILLE. The Optimists are selling Christmas Trees. It's a worthy cause.
Various school PTOs are doing craft bazaars or a Holiday Family Night and school
bands or choirs are giving concerts.
In other news, Bohl's recently had a neighborhood BBQ. It is also trying to set up a website and sought some direction from PfCONA on this. Springbrook Glen just had its annual neighborhood meeting. Northpark HOA, with PfCONA's help, was able to connect with an organization that had been trying to contact Northpark for more than a year. Saxony just had a Garage Sale/Silent Auction and is raffling pool memberships for $1/ticket or $5 for 6. Or, you can get a six month membership for $100 for 7 day a week use.
Keep Pflugerville Beautiful (KFB) had its Cleanup Day not too long ago and is in charge of decorating downtown and encouraging businesses to help make Pflugerville charming for citizens and guests. You may have seen the wreaths hanging from telephone poles or the three new trees made up of lights in front of Gilleland Creek Park behind big Season's Greetings letters. Related to this, KFB had been checking with Heatherwilde about seeing if it had a flag pole it no longer needed (from Heatherwilde entrance sign). PfCONA is helping make Pflugerville beautiful by again sponsoring the Christmas Lights and Decoration Contest so neighborhoods will encourage homeowners to make their homes beautiful. On another subject, PfCONA was mentioned in Nov. 27th Pflag issue. Clay Leben, PfCONA Communications Committee Chair, was asked to provide comment at Nov. 18th City Council meeting on Cable Channel Guidelines, per PfCONA's work on guidelines with city. He commented that official city events videotaped by groups such as PfCONA should continue to be put on access channel and city could be asked to sponsor (sign-off on) civic-oriented events videotaped as well.
Last but not least, take basic safety steps during the holidays to keep criminals away from and out of your home. Call Cpl. Mike Clowdus at 670-5512 about things you can do or see December City Newsletter in your water bill for related information. Turn out to support the new site development code for the central business district: City Council Meeting, Tuesday, 12/9/03, 7:30 pm Those who support it would like it to become law as soon as possible. The Downtown Planning Committee has done a great job helping craft the code and the new ordinance will help downtown if it is enacted. If people don't support it, there is a possibility the council could table it.
***ENVISION CENTRAL TEXAS - PFLUGERVILLE CONCEPT PLAN***
Click here for a summary document that describes the Envision Central Texas Community Test Site Concept Plan completed in Pflugerville over this past year. It provides information on the project and process, and encapsulates the concept plan for the downtown Pflugerville area. It is a tool in communicating the workshop process and resulting product that the citizens of Pflugerville helped create. Click here for other related Pflugerville info (as well as other city concept plans) on ECT website.-November 8th Response from Mayor on PfCONA "Tidbits": Good newsletter. It is my understanding that Walmart has not made a decision about the Pfluger tract yet. It is also my understanding that they will come to Pflugerville, but if not to the Pfluger tract,their building will be postponed for two to three years. Also you mentioned that they will bring other businesses with them. The Pfluger tract would preclude other big boxes from locating near Walmart as there are not other tracts in close proximity to the Pfluger tract the boxes could locate on. Thanks for the great job. -Scott -November 7th Response from PCDC Executive Director on PfCONA "Tidbits": Just read your latest newsletter. Good job. Fair and factual. I know it’s hard for many people to separate emotionalism from facts, especially in regards to Wal-Mart. But the council will have some VERY big decisions facing us in the next 5 years. As homeowners here in Pflugerville pick up the vast majority of the costs of city government and services, the decisions they make will significantly affect the taxes, water and sewer bills that each of us pay. I will of course abide by whatever decisions the citizens and council make. My real concern is that EACH of our citizens and elected officials weigh carefully those important decisions and that we realize every decision we make has its consequences and its costs. -Rick ***COMMUNITY-WIDE CHRISTMAS DECORATION & LIGHTS CONTEST*** PfCONA will sponsor the annual community-wide contest during the week of December 9-11, 2003. Keep Pflugerville Beautiful representatives will help PfCONA with judging. The deadline for home nominations in Pflugerville city limits and ETJ should be submitted by December 8th at the latest to Nancy Ramsey, PfCONA Vice Chair at kenramsey@cox-internet.com. Please include the address and the subdivision if possible. Click here for last years results. Criteria for Home Judging: Unique, creative, impressive, extraordinary lights and displays. Criteria for Best Street Judging: Most homes uniformly decorated within at least one block. ***OPTIMISTS' CLUB 2ND ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE SALE*** People may purchase Christmas trees M-F from 5pm-9pm and Sat-Sun 9am-9pm. Limited quantiites of beautiful Douglas Firs, so shop early. Last year they sold out by Dec 20th!Proceeds help fund programs and scholarships for youth and youth-related programs primarily in the Pflugerville area. For more info contact Bob Tanner, President at 990-9645 or Emit Ottis at 251-7908. ***PFLUGERVILLE POLICE ASSOCIATION CHILI DINNER & RAFFLE*** The Pflugerville
Police Association is having a Chili Dinner and Raffle on December 14th at Pflugerville
Middle School from 12:30pm until 4:00pm. Tickets are $20, which includes the raffle and
dinner and then if you have other family members that will want to eat it will be $2.50
for each additional. Your PfCONA chair has tickets if you need some. Neighborhoods as of May 2003 began rotating having a food drive in their own subdivisions on behalf of the NRCC. On December 13th, from 9am-Noon, Creekside is planning to collect donations from neighborhood residents. Thanks to the residents of Creekside for their support of NRCC which helps needy residents.
Last year 1/3 of Creekside neighbors participated in their annual food drive and over 1,200 food items were collected and donated to the North Rural Community Center, Pflugerville area's branch of the Capital City Food Bank. Cub Scout Pack 311 has agreed to help again this year, along with some Girl Scouts, and possibly helpers from St. Mary's youth group.
Note: One in six children in the
PISD area are said to go hungry. Also keep in mind that The Storehouse, a new food pantry
in Pflugerville is also taking donations at the AAA Storage on FM 685. Pflugerville's Blue
Santa is also seeking new toys and food donations. You can check out past videos at
the Pflugerville Library (in reference section) compiled by PfCONA such as Envision
Central Texas Pflugerville Consensus Map Presentation, Neighborhood Watch/Disaster
Preparedness Orientation, PfCONA Downtown Development Forum, City Council Candidate Forum,
and School Board Candidate Forum. If they do not yet have them, let them know you are
wishing to view them. PARKS AND REC COMMISSION - POSITIONS OPEN Contact the city secretary via karent@cityofpflugerville.com ****************************** The Pflugerville Police Deparment has a Blue
Santa program each Christmas season and needs donations of new toys, non-perishable items,
volunteers, and money. Volunteers are needed to sort, wrap, and deliver packages. Donation
drop off sites are: The Greater Pflugerville Chamber of Commerce - 101 S. 3rd; any City
Office - City Hall at 100 block E. Main; Gaddy's Feed - 403 FM 685; Farmers Insurance
Group in Round Rock - IH35 at 1325; The Jewelry Place - 200 block E. Pecan; and the
following Elementary Schools: Brookhollow - 1200 N. Railroad, Springhill - 600 S.
Heatherwilde, Timmerman - 700 W. Pecan St., Murchison - 2215 Kelly Ln and Pflugerville
Elem. - 701 Immanuel Road. Plus, you can drop off at the Pflugerville Justice Center -
1611 E. Pfenning Ln. You can send monetary donations (check or money order) to:
Pflugerville Blue Santa, c/o Pflugerville Police Dept., PO Box 679, Pflugerville, TX
78691. For more info or to pass on families that need assistance call Cpl. Mike Clowdus at
670-5512. [from GPCC newsletter] -11/12 E-mail from Michelle
Barlow regarding PfCONA participation in focus group at 11/10 PfCONA meeting: -Dan Windels -11/17 E-mail response to GPCC,
which had thanked PfCONA for highlighting its campaign in a recent PfCONA NewsFLASH,
along with other community events: -For oil, filters, and tires: ******************************
PISD now has a Public Information Announcement line that will carry a variety of pre-recorded information and will be utilized to announce school closings and emergency information. The number is 594-0001.
****************************** Cambridge Estates new
weblink is: www.cambridge-estates.com. KC Annual Christmas Lights
Parade: Saturday, December 6. Begins at dusk.
ParkCrest MS Christmas Bazaar: Saturday, December 6, 9am-3pm. 4th Annual. Sponsored by ParkCrest PTO.Breakfast with Santa: Saturday, December 6 at St. Elizabeth's Church hall from 7:00am - 11:00am. Games, craft store, pictures with Santa. Holidays at Heritage Park: Friday, December 12, 6pm-9pm at 901 Old Hutto Road. An evening of music, crafts, hot cocoa, and free pictures with Santa. Performances by local school choirs, the Clickety Cloggers, Jingles the Elf, and the PHS Yule Tide Singers. Santa will arrive around 7:30 p.m. Creekside Festival of Lights Contest Judging: Friday-Saturday, December 12-13. Each December, Creekside becomes a "wonderland" of beautiful holiday lights. Neighborhood block captains will be choosing a best-decorated house on each street and an overall best-decorated house in Creekside.* Contact Nicole or Marcello at 990-3494 or ELONIK@aol.com with questions. Creekside Food Drive, Saturday, December 13, 9am-around Noon. On behalf of PfCONA North Rural Community Center Food Drive and Creekside Annual Food Drive.
Holiday Tour of Homes , Sunday, December 14, 1pm-6pm. Starting point if Pflugerville Country Gallery at 301 W. Pecan. Maps and tickets available there. For more info call 252-2821 or 990-5356.
ALARM PERMITS EXPIRE on December 31st. Permit applications can be picked up at 1611 E. Pfenning Ln or downloaded from www.cityofpflugerville.com. Call 251-4004 with questions.Note: See Pflugerville Pflag or City Newsletter for more news and event information. Also, see PfCONA website which also has current events on home page or subscribe to weekly city E-Newsletter by E-mailing city secretary at: webmaster@cityofpflugerville.com. City website is www.cityofpflugerville.com. ****************************** PFCONA Member Notes: Please E-mail happenings in your neighborhood to PfCONA for sharing with others (or share at upcoming meetings). Know that neighborhoods are encouraged to send stories regularly to the Pflag. *For those with memberships pending, $10 yearly dues (from January to December) can be sent to (checks made out to PfCONA): Attn: PfCONA Chair, c/o Pflugerville Police Department, PO Box 679, Pflugerville, TX 78691. Or, drop off to Michelle Pundt at PPD. Dues were initiated for the first time in January 2003 and renewals are for 2004 year. NOVEMBER 2003 E-NEWSLETTER Pflugerville Council of Neighborhood Associations Pfolks and Pfriends,This E-mail goes out to members, associate, honorary, and pending members*...those who have an interest in neighborhood and community issues...networking...problem-solving...and solutions. This E-mail is meant to be shared with your homeowners and organizations, to give residents something to TALK about. See calendar at bottom for meetings/events. This E-mail, attached agendas and minutes and other info is archived on www.pfcona.org. A PfCONA application is online as well. ****************************** NOVEMBER 10TH PFCONA MEETING The November 10th, 7pm-8:30pm meeting will feature: Rick Murphy, Pflugerville Community Development Corporation Exec. Dir. Subject: Pflugerville's short-term and long-term development opportunities and their impact on tax base. David Seeker, city councilman and a member of the PCDC Board will also be present, including other city leaders. The public as always, is invited to attend. Click here for a summary of a recent PCDC meeting in order to be briefed on PCDC developments. ****************************** WHAT'S GOING ON IN PFLUGERVILLE AREA, NEIGHBORHOODS, & PFCONA? ***WALMART*** WalMart is becoming the talk of the town regarding the pros and the cons of one coming to Pflugerville and residents are developing mixed feelings, understandably so. The latest word is that WalMart has decided to not come to Pflugerville. Whatever the case, it would definitely impact the course of our community which will quadruple in size in 25 or so years. A Super WalMart has been a strong possibility on the Pfluger Tract property acrosss from HEB at the corner of FM 685 and E. Pecan. That is the only property in the area that has the right traffic counts for them. They have considered a plan to have main street extended to FM 685, an extension which was proposed on recent Envision Central Texas consensus map drawn up by Pflugerville residents. The store, if it came, would most likely look like the new one near Parmer and IH-35 (not battleship grey and blue). WalMart could bring $1 million per year to the city tax base, including increase the Pflugerville Community Development Corporation's budget, which would strengthen its ability to attract business to Pflugerville, especially when it comes to competing with nearby communities. WalMart would also attract other businesses who would come once WalMart does. Home Depot for instance, which is going in in Hutto near its existing WalMart might consider coming once WalMart does. There is valid concern that a WalMart would negatively impact small businesses already existing in our community and this was brought up at a June PfCONA downtown development forum for residents and business owners. The other side is, as other communities are realizing, such a large retailer would help diversify a city's tax base (and school district) and lessen the burden on taxpayers. Tough decision if WalMart is planning to come. If WalMart is not coming in, we it will be a few years until SH 130 is built and then WalMart may or may not consider building on SH 130, depending on how close other WalMarts are. The city would be out a few million from not having a large retailer sooner and if WalMart does not come it is expected that other retailers will develop along SH 130 and SH 45--the intersection at SH 130 and SH 45 once it develops could be another major development area by the way. The Pfluger Tract, one of our current major areas available for development in the city, may also end up having a different mix of stores that bring less tax benefit to the city, and the Gin Tract and MOKAN property, which some have wanted to become a park plaza, parking area, or transit area, may take longer to develop. The MOKAN area is not a pretty site at this time. It has been called "ugly". No WalMart may mean less traffic congestion (although FM 685 will be getting busier according to TXDOT as the years go by no matter what) which some are concerned about as well as other issues which only WalMart can answer to such as how nice it would keep its store, keep noise levels down, landscaping, lighting, truck deliveries, etc. Pflugerville residents could voice to city council what their preference is if it decides to come--to take the opportunity or to pass on it. Tough decision. Many Envision Central Texas participants wanted a hotel on the Pfluger Tract site and smaller stores and a museum or fine arts/convention center. The final map ended up having a hotel, single family residences against existing homes, and multi-family housing between that and hotel. A hotel however, would be more likely to locate along SH 130 which would have commercial traffic instead of FM 685 which has local and adjacent town commuter traffic. Housing on such land would not provide maximum benefit to the city. An extended main street from Railroad to FM 685 could give the Gin Property now off E. Pecan a greater chance to be developed on. And if the trend continues, more professional businesses would continue to come to downtown and be serviced by downtown businesses. And if downtown blossoms, we could reach a critical mass of businesses that would attract more consumers to downtown. For instance, more antique stores or more gift shops, etc. might make visitors make downtown a destination as a result, such as Georgetown or Salado has become. What is important is to consider all of the factors involved (pros and cons), including those not mentioned here, and then Pflugerville residents could voice to city council what their preference is if WalMart comes--to take the opportunity or to pass on it. Tough decision. ***COMMUNITY-WIDE CHRISTMAS DECORATION & LIGHTS CONTEST*** PfCONA is again sponsoring a Community Christmas Decoration & Lighting Contest. Judges will be going around the neighborhoods as best as possible but will be accepting nominations from neighborhoods also. Deadlines for judging should be announced at 11/10 PfCONA meeting and will be posted on website and announced in Pflugerville Pflag. The five Categories will include: Best Street, Most Humorous, Best Traditional; Best Animated, and Best Light Show. Criteria for Homes: unique,creative, impressive, extraordinary lights and displays. Criteria for Best Street: Most homes uniformly decorated within at least one block. Results, including honorable mention home and streets will be posted on PfCONA website and forwarded to the Pflag. Click here for last years results. ***PFCONA NORTH RURAL COMMUNITY CENTER FOOD DRIVE*** Neighborhoods as of May 2003 began rotating having a food drive in their own subdivisions on behalf of the NRCC. In December, Creekside is planning to do so. Thanks to the residents of Creekside for their support of NRCC which helps needy residents. One in six children in the PISD area are said to go hungry. Also keep in mind that The Storehouse, a new food pantry in Pflugerville is also taking donations at the AAA Storage on FM 685. Pflugerville's Blue Santa is also seeking new toys and food donations. ***PfCONA VIDEOS - PILOT PERIOD AT LIBRARY*** You can check out past videos at the Pflugerville Library (in reference section) compiled by PfCONA such as Envision Central Texas Pflugerville Consensus Map Presentation, Neighborhood Watch/Disaster Preparedness Orientation, PfCONA Downtown Development Forum, City Council Candidate Forum, and School Board Candidate Forum. ***************************** COUNCIL DEBATES NEW DEVELOPMENT CODE According to an 11/6/03 Pflugerville Pflag story, an architecture authority board consisting of either residents, engineers or both, may be appointed to oversee buildings in Pflugerville if a new code is approved by city council. The city is drafting a new building code that gives builders more stylistic freedom, replacing the current code that lays out specific guidelines. If the council decides to abandon the newly written code and draft one with stricter restrictions, an architecture review board may not be necessary. "If we rewrite a draft with tighter regulations we will see a lot more buildings like we have now," Councilman Pat McCord said. Steve Jones, Pflugerville's City Manager, said that he hopes that a review board with a mixed group of citizens, architects, and engineers is formed. "You have to have the architects as a technical reference to decipher the jargon and be able to communicate with other professionals," Jones said. "You also need someone representing the downtown area. The city has to have a sense of the wants and needs of the people in the community to balance out the technical expertise." The issue will likely be resolved by the Nov. 11 council meeting. On an unrelated note, the city manager at an August council meeting, said that the city staff had been discussing looking into publishing the names of speeders in neighborhoods. PfCONA has not heard if anything has been finalized on the subject. Also, that concrete median that many businesses and homeowners have debated with TXDOT about may be removed after it goes in. The city may have to pay $500,000 to remove it though. On a related note, the Pflugerville Office Park, which claims that it would be impacted by a median, is cutting a driveway onto Split Oak just west of the Split Oak/FM 685 light. Note: City Council packets are now available online and plans to add other city boards and commissions are in the works. Click here for link to council packets. ****************************** SHOP PFLUGERVILLE PFIRST FOR THOSE HOLIDAY NEEDS The chamber and the Pflugerville Downtown Association (PDA) would love for residents and their friends to shop locally because every dollar spent in our community turns seven times. Here are the possibilities being promoted: gift shops, retail, art galleries, florists, bakeries, book stores, catering, costmetologist, entertainment & recreation, garden center, shopping centers, groceries, golf clubs, photographers, pet services, advertising & promotions, tropies & screenprinting, and more. The list is much longer. See the chamber for a list of businesses and see the PDA for a downtown map of places to shop at. ****************************** CITY BOARD AND COMMISSION TERMS The Council is being asked to consider a proposal by the city secretary to have all terms for boards and commissions begin at the same time each year. Currently, board and commission appointments are staggered throughout the year: January: Parks and Recreation Commission April: Board of Adjustments May: City Council June: Library Board October: Planning and Zoning Commission ****************************** BLUE SANTA The Pflugerville Police Deparment has a Blue Santa program each Christmass season and needs donations of new toys, non-perishable items, volunteers, and money. Volunteers are needed to sort, wrap, and deliver packages. Donation drop off sites are: The Greater Pflugerville Chamber of Commerce - 101 S. 3rd; any City Office - City Hall at 100 block E. Main; Gaddy's Feed - 403 FM 685; Farmers Insurance Group in Round Rock - IH35 at 1325; The Jewelry Place - 200 block E. Pecan; and the following Elementary Schools: Brookhollow - 1200 N. Railroad, Springhill - 600 S. Heatherwilde, Timmerman - 700 W. Pecan St., Murchison - 2215 Kelly Ln and Pflugerville Elem. - 701 Immanuel Road. Plus, you can drop off at the Pflugerville Justice Center - 1611 E. Pfenning Ln. You can send monetary donations (check or money order) to: Pflugerville Blue Santa, c/o Pflugerville Police Dept., PO Box 679, Pflugerville, TX 78691. For more info or to pass on families that need assistance call Cpl. Mike Clowdus at 670-5512. [from GPCC newsletter] ***************************** ENVISION CENTRAL TEXAS MAPS ARE ON DISPLAY IN THE LIBRARY The before and after maps (large ones) are on display at the library showing downtown's current makeup and a look at downtown into the future with ideas from 71 Pflugerville residents, for city leaders to use as a guide for improving and expanding downtown. Maps may also be viewed at www.envisioncentraltexas.org. ECT, by the way, recently had at least 10,000 central Texas residents fill out surveys to express how central Texas should or should not grow. See their website for their work on this issue. ****************************** OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD Van Kirby, who has been a PfCONA member wants everybody to know that anyone can help his church with a project they are involved in. He says that Operation Christmas Child involves filling a shoebox with usable items such as crayons, paper/pencils, a toy (little car, a doll, a ball, etc.) toothbrush/paste, story books, underwear, etc. Last year his church; First Baptist of Pflugerville, shipped just under 14,000 boxes. These boxes are personally given to children that in most cases have never had a Christmas. Nor have they heard the God loves them and wants them to live a christian life. This message is in the box, in their language. He or a church rep will make a short announcement about this project at the 11/10 PfCONA meeting in case any Pflugerville residents may wish to participate. ****************************** PFLUGERVILLE PANDA BEARS John Raymond saw PFCONA mentioned in the Pflugerville Pflag and he wanted to invite all its members and families and friends to come out to some of their events. Pflugerville Pandas is a group of people who want to have fun, get exercise, and be outside while playing team sports such as volleyball, soccer, basketball and softball. They try to keep competition very light as they want to have a lot of fun. There is no cost. This group is geared to people aged 30-50 but no age limit. Please invite your families, friends etc...many of their athletes have skills that put them "below average" (but don't tell them I said that says John.) Questions - please email John at pflugervillepandabears@yahoo.com or call him at 990-2624. ****************************** MARK YOUR CALENDARS... Falcon Pointe Neighborhood Garage Sale: Saturday, November 8 from 7am-Noon at FM 685 and Kelly Ln. Saxony Homeowners Association Garage Sale & Silent Auction: Saturday, November 22 from 7am-Noon. To include footballs signed by Darrel Royal and Mack Brown, etc. Proceeds go toward Saxony Pool fund. Items not sold go to Goodwill. A raffle ($1 for 1 or $5 for six) for six-month pool membership (Dec.-May 31st) to be auctioned. Trial memberships for May are available for $25. Get one for your family. Pool season is June 1st to May 31st - $200 (open 7 days a week). Old Town Market Days: Saturday, November 22. Sponsored by Pflugerville Downtwon Association. This is definitely a day that people in your neighborhood and their visiting relatives should stop by our local downtown merchants. 17th Annual Fall Fest - Handcrafted Arts and Craft Show: Saturday, November 22, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Parks and Recreation Center at 400 Immanuel Rd. Admission is FREE. This is another reason to make November 22 a day for shopping. KC Annual Christmas Lights Parade: Saturday, December 6. Begins at dusk. Breakfast with Santa: Saturday, December 6 at St. Elizabeth's Church hall from 7:00am - 11:00am. Note: See Pflugerville Pflag for more news and event information. Also, see PfCONA website which also has current events on home page or subscribe to weekly city E-Newsletter by E-mailing city secretary at: webmaster@cityofpflugerville.com. ****************************** PFCONA Member Notes: Please E-mail happenings in your neighborhood to PfCONA for sharing with others (or share at upcoming meetings). Know that neighborhoods are encourage to send stories regularly to the Pflag. *For those with memberships pending, $10 yearly dues (from January to December) can be sent to (checks made out to PfCONA): Attn: PfCONA Chair, c/o Pflugerville Police Department, PO Box 679, Pflugerville, TX 78691. Or, drop off to Chief's Secretary at PPD. Dues were initiated for the first time in January 2003 and renewals are for 2004 year.
This E-mail is being sent to members, associate members, honorary members, and pending members*...those who have an interest in neighborhood and community issues...networking...problem solving...and solutions...This E-mail is meant to be shared with your homeowners and organizations, to give residents something to talk about. This E-mail along with others is archived on www.pfcona.org. A PfCONA application is available online as well. ****************************** OCTOBER 13TH PFCONA MEETING The October 13th, 7pm-8:30pm meeting will include: Further discussion regarding Pflugerville's strengths and weaknesses (to update PfCONA Community Direction document done two years ago) Your input on behalf of your neighborhood, organization, and household is important! See calendar at bottom for other important meetings/events. October meeting will also include discussion on: Community Television Guidelines - Cox Ch. 10 and PfCONA Communication Committee efforts. November 10th PfCONA meeting speaker will be Rick Murphy, Director of the Pflugerville Economic Development Committee. See http://www.pfcona.org/documents/PCDCMeeting_091103.doc for a summary of a recent PCDC meeting in order to be briefed on PCDC developments. The Pflag had planned to put this article in 9/25/03 issue but for some reason it did not get put in. ****************************** WHAT'S GOING ON IN PFLUGERVILLE AREA, NEIGHBORHOODS, & PFCONA? The PfCONA Vice Chair inquired on 9/15 about a possible public hearing on rezoning property for a Wal-Mart in Pflugerville. A representative of the City Planning Department noted to her that: The Planning Department has not received an application from Wal-Mart or anyone representing Wal-Mart at this time; therefore no public hearing dates have been set. When a rezoning application is filed the City will post notice of the public hearings in the Pflugerville Pflag. Additionally, the City will post signs on the property proposed to be rezoned. On Tuesday, March 4, 2003, dozen's of Pflugerville's citizens came together for a hands-on planning workshop to create a vision for the future of the downtown. Hosted by Envision Central Texas (ECT) and the City of Pflugerville, this workshop encouraged participants to share their thoughts on issues like transportation, the local economy, land development and the environment, and to formulate plans for how Pflugerville could undertake positive change over the next 20-40 years. Planning experts have drawn from this citizen input to craft plans that make sense for Pflugerville. On October 1, ECT presented the results at Parkcrest Middle School. These ideas may be used to guide future development in downtown Pflugerville. For those that missed the open house, a video will be shown on Ch. 10 in the near future and a copy will be available at the Pflugerville Library. Ask library staff for it. A future meeting may take place in the near future between various Pflugerville organizations regarding giving ECT more feedback on the Pflugerville downtown-related plan (consensus map). This map will be on the ECT website as well as a survey regarding ECT's planning efforts in central Texas (see related brief below). Note: Creekside Neighborhood Association will also be publishing information about recent Open House on its website. A new emergency food pantry called The Storehouse has opened in Pflugerville as of October 4th. Sandra Cochrun, at 670-0265, is planning to come to the 10/13 PfCONA meeting. Since PfCONA has been doing a food drive she has been invited to give everyone an idea of what they are up to. She said her group has just met with the Pflugerville Pastors Council. Her group is hoping to cooperate with what's already in progress and add to it. The Storehouse is located at 445 FM 685 (AAA Storage) in Pflugerville. If you would like to help out this local non-profit by donating food, money, time or their current need of a good working refrigerator, call them at 587-4568. All gifts are tax deductible. "A hand up, not a hand out." Speaking of food drives, the Blue Santa program is gearing up to solicit new toys and canned goods. Direct people to www.pfcona.org for a flyer regarding Blue Santa or pass on the attached flyer. We will discuss at 10/13 PfCONA Meeting of how our neighborhoods can support Blue Santa. A new realty-based magazine has come to Pflugerville. It is called My Pflugerville Neighborhood. Jeff Sellers is a staff member and his contact information is: djjeffresh@hotmail.com or 750-4681. . During October the PfCONA Communication Committee plans to show a Neighborhood Watch and Disaster Preparedness video on Ch. 10. The Envision Central Texas Open House was also videotaped and will be shown in the near future. The Communication Committee is also in the process of giving the city feedback on a draft of City Cable Channel Policy. The Committee originally asked the city to come up with a policy so that residents would know the purpose of the channel and the type of programming possible. Clay Leben is the PfCONA Communications Committee Chair (251-0200). Other Items of Note: 1) For a draft of a site development code now under consideration for the central business district go to: http://www.cityofpflugerville.com/Documents/General/CBDSDC.PDF. 2) For a previous complete draft of the site development code go to: http://www.cityofpflugerville.com/attachments/1061397916_at1.pdf. This code will regulate buildings, landscaping, lighting, parking and any decor on the future buildings in Pflugerville. It is very important for people to feedback the Council on it. They are looking for written suggestions. 3) Pflugerville City Council meeting packets are available on the Internet. Take a look at the agendas and packets for next regular meeting and any work session by clicking the following link: http://www.cityofpflugerville.com/agendizer/agenda.php?board_id=1. 4) See the latest "links" on PfCONA website. There is a little bit of everything for neighborhood leaders, families, and individuals to reference when needed. ****************************** ENVISION CENTRAL TEXAS FEEDBACK PERIOD BEGINS 10/6 Please take a few minutes to complete the Regional Vision Survey at www.envisioncentraltexas.org. Let people in Pflugerville know about it and encourage them to weigh in on the following from October 6th - 26th: What if a million more people lived in Central Texas? Envision Central Texas wants your answer to this question and others that will guide our region toward a common vision. Considering that our population may double within the next 20 to 40 years, Central Texans must make some tough decisions to ensure that future growth occurs sensibly. Envision Central Texas wants to know your opinion on issues like land development, housing, jobs and the environment. Just fifteen minutes can help shape our future. This is your chance to provide input about growth in our region. Don't let the future take shape without you. Note: Besides being able to complete the survey online, ECT will also be distributing the surveys at various locations and placing it in community newspapers throughout the region on or around October 9th. ****************************** GRANT BEING SOUGHT FOR CITIZENS EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM Keep an eye open for news regarding a grant being sought by Sgt. Randy Glasgow regarding CERT, Citizens Emergency Response Team. A CERT is a group that is organized and receives special training that enhances their ability to recognize, respond to and recover from a major emergency or disaster situation. CERT is about readiness, people helping people, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number. CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens will be initially on their own and their actions can make a difference. Through training, citizens can manage utilities and put out small fires; treat the three killers by opening airways, controlling bleeding, and treating for shock; provide basic medical aid; search for and rescue victims safely; and organize themselves and spontaneous volunteers to be effective. Sgt. Glasgow will be providing more details, web information, and will be requesting volunteers to take the initial "train the trainers" course. PfCONA has expressed interest in this since the August 2003 PfCONA meeting was on Neighborhood Watch and Emergency/Disaster Preparedness. It would be great for neighborhood leaders or their designates to be trained and to serve as part of a community response team. The Citizens on Patrol and others will also be involved in this if the program develops. ****************************** PfCONA VIDEOS - PILOT PERIOD AT PFCONA LIBRARY Clay Leben, PfCONA Communication Committee Chair spoke with Lee Sparks, Director of Pflugerville Library, who agreed to catalog videotapes so they would be searchable and available for public checkout, especially for those who cannot access Cox Cable Channel 10. She has agreed to a pilot period of three months initially, so please let the library know if you wish to checkout a tape on subjects such as Downtown Development Forum, City Comprehensive Plan, Candidate Forums, Neighborhood Watch/Emergency Preparedness, and Envision Central Texas Open House. The library also keeps city council tapes for a period of time. Ms. Sparks suggested that PfCONA also talk with the Heritage House about archive space. ****************************** COMMENTS ABOUT PFCONA BY DOGGETT REPRESENTATIVE Thanks for having me last night. I was impressed with the PFCONA organization...I attend many neighborhood group meetings and I thought that this one last night stood out for a couple reasons. First, there was some liveliness and a sense of humor, as well as good feedback from everyone present. Second, everyone was open and respectful of each other and there was sense of "how can what I do work with what you do." These might seem like prerequisites for a good org meeting, but I rarely see them. I plan on attending the full meeting in October...please stay in touch regarding events or things in the community that you think the Congressman or I would like to know about or be a part of. Ryan E. Whitton Constituent Services Representative Office of U.S. Rep Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) ****************************** 9-11 DIGITAL ARCHIVE TO BECOME PART OF LIBRARY OF CONGRESS The September 11 Digital Archive ( http://911digitalarchive.org/ ), a collection of 100,000 e-mails, photos, and other digital materials gathered by historians at George Mason University and the City University of New York, will become part of the permanent collection of the Library of Congress, the Washington Post reports. ****************************** DO NOT CALL LIST Consumers who think they have gotten illegal calls should note the date and the name and number of the caller, then file a complaint by calling (888) 382-1222 or by visiting www.donotcall.gov. ****************************** MARK YOUR CALENDARS... Pflugerville Fire Department Open House: Tuesday, October 21, Fire Station 1 on Pecan Street, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Pflugerville Police Department Open House: Sunday, October 26, 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. There will be Child ID, Fatal Vision Glasses, crime prevention material, and children activities. Chief Buesing would like neighborhoods to encourage their residents to attend. Halloween on Main Street: Friday, October 31, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m, 200 block E. Main. Old Town Market Days: Saturday, November 22. This is definitely a day that people in your neighborhood and their visiting relatives should stop by our local merchants. 17th Annual Fall Fest - Handcrafted Arts and Craft Show: Saturday, November 22, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Parks and Recreation Center. Admission is FREE. This is another reason to make November 22 a day for shopping. Saxony Homeowners Association Garage Sale: Saturday, November 22, 7:00 a.m. to Noon, at Saxony Pool at junction of Meadow Creek and Elm St. Note: See Pflugerville Pflag for more news and event information. Also, see PfCONA website which also has current events on home page or subcribe to weekly city E-newsletter by E-mailing city secretary at: webmaster@cityofpflugerville.com. ****************************** SEPTEMBER 2003 E-NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2003 E-NEWSLETTER PfCONA Pfolks and Pfriends, The Pflugerville Pflag has a new subscription offer via
PfCONA or GPCC. It is a trial run. For every new subscription submitted via PfCONA or
GPCC, they will donate $6 to either PfCONA or GPCC--whichever organization helped obtain
the subscription!* Call PfCONA Chair for a subscription form, or call The Pflugerville
Pflag at 251-2220 for more information. Don't forget to tell them you are with PfCONA or
GPCC. JUNE 2003 E-NEWSLETTER PfCONA Pfolks and Pfriends, MAY 2003 E-NEWSLETTER PfCONA Pfolks,Instead of sending out many E-mails, "Tidbits" will be shared regularly to keep PfCONA members informed of PfCONA-related issues/events/correspondence. ****************************** PFCONA MEETING (REMEMBER THAT MEETING TIME HAS CHANGED) Plan to attend the May 12th, 7pm-8:30pm meeting at the Pflugerville Justice Center Community Room. The city manager is our main speaker. Major issues to be discussed include: 1. Community Development - Steve Jones, City Manager - speaker 2. FM 685 Concrete Median vs. Continuous Turn Ln 3. 6/3 Neighborhood Watch Training being sponsored 4. Recruiting more neighborhoods to do NRCC community food drive ****************************** WHAT'S GOING ON IN PFLUGERVILLE AREA NEIGHBORHOODS & PFCONA? PfCONA co-sponsored the April 21 School Board Candidates' Forum and the April 28th City Council Candidates' Forum (at which 30 voters attended and five out of six candidates). They both went very well and were co-sponsored with the Pflugerville Optimists Club and the Pflugerville Police Officers Association. This was a terrific partnership and it would be good to work with these organizations again. Clay Leben of Gatlinburg videotaped both forums and they were shown on Cox Ch. 10. Since there will be a city council runoff the video may air again. See slide on Ch. 10 for schedule. Encourage your folks to watch and to go out and vote. PfCONA is still planning to become a member of the Government Employees Credit Union on behalf of PfCONA members. This was voted on in the past but had not been completed up to this point. At least five neighborhoods have already become affiliated with this organization on behalf of their membership. Bohls Place is still working hard on forming a neighborhood association and many people are participating from the neighborhood in the planning process. Also, Saxony has already begun the NRCC food drive during May which PfCONA is sponsoring. Katymead will takeover the drive in June, Bohl's Place has volunteered to continue it in July, and Gatlinburg may takeover in August. Last, we should be getting feedback about the Envision Central Texas maps that 72 Pflugerville residents gave input on during the month of May/June. The eight maps that were developed will become a single consensus map. Various neighborhood residents and leaders contributed to this process that the city council sponsored. Similar efforts have been undertaken by the Downtown Planning Association. An effort will be made to link up PfCONA with this group and perhaps will have a representative of this group come to the May 12th meeting since the topic is community development. PfCONA Member Notes: Please E-mail what's going on in your neighborhood to share with the rest of the group (or share at upcoming meetings). Know that neighborhoods are being encouraged to send stories regularly to the Pflag and to PfCONA to post on the PfCONA website. Also, if you have neighborhood events on behalf of the community, please send them to City Secretary or PfCONA Communications Committee (via PfCONA Chair) so they may be posted on Cox Ch. 10 or in the weekly city e-newsletter. Last, the next Mug Order is still on hold until a few more advertisers are brought on board. The next to last meeting included a vote to approve another order of 1,000. The Pflag and the Government Employees Federal Credit Union are the most recent businesses to sign on. ****************************** CITY COUNCIL RUNOFF ELECTION Turnout for the May 3rd elecdtion was very low, including early voting--less than 500 out of 10,000 registered voters. Convince your residents to perform their civic duty. UNOFFICIAL TABULATION OF ELECTION RESULTS Council Member Place 3: Early Voting Election Day TOTAL Wendell Holloman 40 159 199 Jeff L. Jones 5 38 43 Chuck J. Larosche 51 184 235 Council Member Place 5: Mario Galliano 24 121 145 Ahrey L. Smith 15 118 133 Ron Beyer 57 144 201 # of Early Voting Voters 96 # of Election Day Voters 388 # Total # of Voters 484 Number of active registered voters 10,836 4.5% Number of suspended voters (moved) 1,284 Number of registered voters 12,120 4.0% [above results are from city weekly e-newsletter] ****************************** LIBRARY SUMMER READING PROGRAM Know that Joann Thornton with the Library has requested help from the Citizens on Patrol with kids crossing 10th street from the church to the library on the following dates. (all are Friday's and help is needed starting at 10:00a.m.) June, 6, 13,20, 27, 27, - July 11, 18, and 25. Citizens who want to become a C.O.P. and perform service like this, including school crossing guard training, and much more can call Sgt. Randy Glasgow at 670-5510. ****************************** FM 685 AND CONCRETE MEDIAN VS. CONTINUOUS TURN LANE The owner of the Pflugerville Office Park (POP Center) is asking residents, neighborhoods, and businesses to notifiy city council members, city staff, and TxDOT about the impact of a concrete median that would block access to some roads and businesses. An October 2002 news release said there would be a continuous turn lane and instead there is going to be a concrete median. The owner of the POP Center said there was no hearing on this matter and no notification of homes or businesses. May 13th City Council meeting will include discussion on this issue and so will the May 12th PfCONA meeting. Saxony HOA voted at its 5/4 quarterly meeting to support a continuous turn lane as opposed to a concrete median. ****************************** LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FROM THE TX COMMUNITY ASSOC INSTITUTE Senate Bill 949, the bill filed by Senator Jon Lindsay from Houston, would be extremely detrimental to property owners associations and their members. Senator Lindsay has taken a strong stance that volunteer board members need to do more work and take on more responsibility. Lindsay has stated that "the (homeowners associations) that don't take care of their own issues are the ones that subcontract out to a management company." He further states that "I'm trying to cut the management companies out as much as possible so that the association has to do more on their own." Feel free to call Connie Heyer, Niemann & Niemann, L.L.P., the lobbyist for the Texas Community Associations Institute Legislative Action Committee, with any further questions, including getting on E-mail list. Others property owner association bills have been filed lately. Niemann & Niemann, L.L.P. 1122 Colorado St., Suite 313, Austin, Texas 78701 (512) 474-6901 (office), (512) 474-0171 (fax) Please call or fax (emails are NOT effective) your local representatives to express your views. You may find out the name and contact information of your local State Representative by logging on to www.capitol.state.tx.us and clicking on “Who represents me?” ****************************** TRAVIS COUNTY MAY BE SPLIT INTO FOUR CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS Travis County may be split into four congressional districts that stretch from one end of the state to the other and down to Mexico. Call Representative Jack Stick at (512) 463-0821 with your opinion on this issue. The new District 10, which Congressman Doggett now represents and currently includes 80% of the people of Travis County, would, under the new map, stretch from western Travis County to Houston and Port Aransas. The rest of Travis County is split three ways: (1) Rep. Hinojosa (D) would represent east and southeast Travis County in a district that stretches down to the Mexico border. (2) Rep. Henry Bonilla (R) would represent Central Austin, Hays County, and parts of San Antonio. (3) Rep. Lamar Smith (R) would represent southwestern Travis County in a district that stretches to New Mexico. ****************************** UPCOMING FUNDRAISERS FOR GENA BUESING SACKIN The Pflugerville Police Association and Friends of Gena Buesing Sackin are sponsoring a golf tournament fundraiser, which is currently being organized for May 31, 2003 at Blackhawk Golf Course. Please contact Chuck Hooker at 670-5522 for more information on the golf tournament (and other fundraiser info, including if you wish to join fundraising committee). We expect tremendous community support at all of the fundraisers, including a Kwik Kar wash fundraiser to be announced, a Cruise-related fundraiser, and buckets placed around town. These benefits are sponsored for Gena Buesing Sackin, daughter of Police Chief David Buesing and Chief Deputy (Pct. 2) Carol Buesing of Pflugerville. She is also the mother of a three year old son. Gena suffers from a life threatening illness and the community has come together to help her. ****************************** DEUTSCHEN PFEST IS COMING! The 28th annual 2003 Deutschen Pfest is May 16 - 18 in Pfluger Park. The gates will officially open Friday, May 16 at 6:00 p.m. Saturday, May 17 the gates will open at 11:00a.m. Sunday, May 18 the gates will open at noon. The 28th annual Deutschen Pfest Parade in downtown Pflugerville starts at 11:00 a.m. with a steady stream of dignitaries, floats, and bands. Music and entertainment, Friday and Saturday night dances, children’s entertainment, arts and craft booths, food booths, a parade, and a carnival and midway are just a few things to look forward to at this year’s Pfest. The goal of the Pfest is to have fun, promote the beauty of our City, and help fund projects for the Park. Proceeds benefit capital improvements of Pflugerville’s Parks and Recreation system. ****************************** +++++++ PASS THIS E-MAIL ON TO OTHERS ++++++++++++++++++++++ APRIL 2003 E-NEWSLETTER PfCONA Folks,Instead of sending out many E-mails, "Tidbits" will be shared regularly to keep PfCONA members informed of PfCONA-related issues/events/correspondence. [The next E-mail will go to members via PfCONA Yahoo Group just created.] ****************************** PFCONA MEETING (NOTICE THAT TIME HAS CHANGED) Plan to attend the April 14th meeting and bring a friend, neighbor, and/or family member. Make note that the meeting time has now changed to 7:00pm-8:30pm (no longer 7:30pm-9pm) at the Pflugerville Justice Center Community Room. Major issues to be discussed include: 1. "Forming a Neighborhood Association - Basic Elements." 2. A speaker from the North Rural Community Center will also solicit neighborhoods to do a food drive on a rotating basis. Bring a can of food to April 14th PfCONA meeting. Saxony has already committed to be part of such a drive in May. 3. Possibility of sponsoring of an evening Candidates Forum ****************************** WHAT'S GOING ON IN PFLUGERVILLE AREA NEIGHBORHOODS & PFCONA? Brookhollow has a new neighborhood sign (just off Railroad Ave). Windemere recently had a small one of theirs damaged. Bohls Place is working on forming a neighborhood association and has asked other neighborhoods for assistance. Katymead is still looking forward to forming one as well. Various neighborhoods are looking at forming neighborhood watch as a way to plant the seeds for neighborhood organization. Bohls Place has had several go through the Citizens Police Academy to help with this, especially since their neighborhood as well as many others around town have been hit by auto burglaries. New homes under construction throughout town have also been hit by appliance thefts. Saxony has a traffic light finally at Split Oak and FM685 and it is helping stop traffic so cars can access FM685 from Split Oak, Applewood, and Oak Ridge (which helps Willow Creek as well). Saxony has also officially become affiliated with the Government Employees Federal Credit Union, FM685/Applewood, so its members may join the credit union. A trail has also been put in by Parks and Rec on land just off Hickory Ridge Trail (in Saxony along Katymead) using Deutchen Pfest monies. Last, Creekside has recently sponsored a Candidates Forum, Falcon Pointe has hired a Community Activities Director, and a resident at Chisholm Point has been trying to get people interested in helping soldier's families in the area. PfCONA Member Notes: Please E-mail what's going on in your neighborhood to share with the rest of the group (or share at upcoming meetings). Also, know that a sidewalk grant was recently approved that will be put along FM 1825 from Timmerman to at least the High School. Chief Buesing was involved in securing this grant. Know that neighborhoods are being encouraged to send stories regularly to the Pflag. PfCONA chair will try to create a list of regular submissions by neighborhood leaders. A PfCONA Yahoo Group has been created and members will all be getting an E-mail inviting them to join the Yahoo Group. Please respond to the invite since it only lasts for 7 days. Also, if you have neighborhood events on behalf of the community, please send them to City Secretary or PfCONA Communications Committee (via PfCONA Chair) so they may be posted on Cox Ch. 10. Last, the next Mug Order is on hold until a few more advertisers are brought on board. The last meeting included a vote to approve another order fo 1,000. Almost 1,000 mugs have been delivered (at least 200/month). ****************************** SIGN-UP FOR CITY E-NEWSLETTER Send an E-mail to webmaster@cityofpflugerville.com and you will receive a weekly E-mail every Monday from the city secretary, Karen Thompson, noting the next week's events in the city. ****************************** POSSIBLE PFCONA SPONSORED COUNCIL AND SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES FORUM The mayor has suggested that PFCONA may want to organize an evening candidates forum for the city as a whole since the Chamber does not appear to be doing an evening forum this year. If it is videotaped it can be scheduled for play on the Cox cable channel 10 (most likely during the week before the election). At April 14th PfCONA Meeting we will discuss if this is possible and when and where. One possible date is Monday, April 28th, the day before Community Volunteer Banquet. If that is the case, then a story may be given to Pflag by April 18th. ****************************** THE CAPITAL AREA MANUFACTURED HOMEOWNERS' AND TENANTS ASSOCIATION (CAMHOTA) Jordan Erdos, Field Organizer, contacted PfCONA at the end of last month in order to be put in contact with those who may be interested in his efforts. He is presently involved in the establishment of the Capital Area Manufactured Home Owners' and Tenants' Association (CAMHOTA) whose mission is: (1) to educate and inform manufactured home owners and tenants of their rights; (2) to support manufactured home owners and tenants through the legislative process; and (3) to foster community. [Andi Decker, Field Organizer as of 6/03 may be reached at: andidecker01@aol.com]. ****************************** UPCOMING FUNDRAISERS FOR GENA BUESING SACKIN The Pflugerville Police Association and Friends of Gena Buesing Sackin are accepting donations for a series of fundraisers. Cash donations may be made at Pflugerville’s First Texas Bank in the name of Gena BuesingSackin. The first fundraiser was a three on three basketball tournament which netted over $1,000. The Lions Club generously sponsored a raffle for a television that also netted over $1,000. An April 27, 2003 fundraiser will consist of a meal, a raffle, as well as silent and live auctions at Pfluger Hall. Another fundraiser is a golf tournament, which is currently being organized for May 31, 2003 at Blackhawk Golf Course. Please contact Chuck Hooker at 670-5522 for more information on the meal or golf tournament (and other fundraiser info, including if you wish to join fundraising committee). We expect tremendous community support at all of the fundraisers, including a Kwik Kar wash fundraiser to be announced, a Cruise-related fundraiser, and buckets placed around town. These benefits are sponsored for Gena Buesing Sackin, daughter of Police Chief David Buesing and Chief Deputy (Pct. 2) Carol Buesing of Pflugerville. She is also the mother of a three year old son. Gena suffers from a life threatening illness and the community has come together to help her. ****************************** GPCC 7TH ANNUAL SPRING GOLF TOURNAMENT It will be at Golf Club at Star Ranch on Monday, May 5th. Prizes and awards include: putting contest, closest to pin, longest drive, most accurate drive, and 1st and 2nd place teams. Proceeds will benefit the GPCC Business and Economic Development programs. Registration begins at 11:30am. Call 251-7799 or E-mail gpcc@i-enternet.com for information. ****************************** DEUTSCHEN PFEST IS COMING! The 28th annual 2003 Deutschen Pfest is May 16 - 18 in Pfluger Park. The gates will officially open Friday, May 16 at 6:00 p.m. Saturday, May 17 the gates will open at 11:00a.m. Sunday, May 18 the gates will open at noon. The 28th annual Deutschen Pfest Parade in downtown Pflugerville starts at 11:00 a.m. with a steady stream of dignitaries, floats, and bands. Music and entertainment, Friday and Saturday night dances, children’s entertainment, arts and craft booths, food booths, a parade, and a carnival and midway are just a few things to look forward to at this year’s Pfest. The goal of the Pfest is to have fun, promote the beauty of our City, and help fund projects for the Park. Proceeds benefit capital improvements of Pflugerville’s Parks and Recreation system. ****************************** MILITARY THANK YOU CARD If you are so inclined, visit the Department of Defense web page and sign a brief message thanking the men and women of the U.S. military services for defending our freedom. The compiled list of names will be sent out to soldiers at the end of the month. So far, there are about 12,000,000 names. Pass the word that we can honor and support the defenders of freedom during National Military Appreciation Month . See: http://www.defendamerica.mil/nmam.html ********************* |
PfCONA
meets every second Monday, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Pflugerville Justice Center
Courtroom (unless otherwise specified) 2004
Schedule: February 9th March 8th April 12th May 10th June 14th July 12th August 9th September 13th October 11th November 8th December 13th
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