Code Tips for
Summer
PAGE 2
Child Heat Safety
PAGE 2
Parking Regulations
Capital Improvements
Special Insert
Park Renovations
Water Quality Report
PAGE 7
PAGES 3-6
PAGE 2
POSTAL
RESIDENTIAL
CUSTOMER
CUSTOMER
Neighborhood Improvements
Public Safety
PAID
PAGE 2
PRSRT STD
ECRWSS
U.S. POSTAGE
IRVING, TX
PERMIT NO. 883
New Police K-9
AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF IRVING
june 2011
VOL 18 . NO 6
WWW.CITY OF IRVING.ORG
Fourth of July
Celebrations
Join the City of Irving for a patriotic
celebration July 4 that features a parade,
music, food, children’s activities and a
fireworks show.
Patriotic Parade and Activities
The parade will begin at 9 a.m. July 4 in
downtown Irving. Immediately following
the parade, a patriotic concert and free
watermelon will be available at Heritage
Park, 217 Main St. For the parade route,
parking information and viewing areas, visit
www.cityofirving.org.
Saddle, 13–14th century, wood/leather
Spearhead, 13–14th century, iron
Genghis Khan: The Exhibition
Unveiled at Irving Arts Center
Genghis Khan and his ancestors conquered the largest contiguous land
empire in history. Attendees can explore their story by visiting Genghis
Khan: The Exhibition—a world tour exhibition available at the Irving
Arts Center.
Visitors can relive Genghis Khan’s epic rise to
power—from an illiterate child to one of the greatest
military minds in history. The exhibition touches on
the visionary leadership of Genghis Khan, his son
Ogodei and grandson Kublai, as well as the lasting
cultural imprint they left on Asia and Europe.
“Genghis Khan’s story is truly the stuff of legends,”
said Marcie Inman, director of exhibitions and
educational programs. “While he was brilliant on the
battlefield, he was also a visionary statesman. He
established an appreciation for the arts, a written
language for his people, stable government and
freedom of religion.”
Genghis Khan: The Exhibition is open daily through
Sept. 30. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for
children. Discounts are available for groups, seniors
and Art Connection members. To purchase tickets,
visit www.khanirving.com or call (972) 252-2787.
Genghis Khan Sweepstakes
Genghis Khan showed no fear in battle—and the
Irving Arts Center is asking if residents can do
the same in their everyday lives. For those who
are brave enough, the Irving Arts Center presents
the Conquer Your Fears! Sweepstakes. Monthly
drawings include passes for a NASCAR driving
experience, relaxation nights with Four Seasons
Resort Getaway Packages, a chance to challenge
gravity at Zero Gravity Extreme Thrill Park and a
grand prize trip to the haunted Hotel del Coronado
Resort in San Diego.
Enter the Conquer Your Fears! Sweepstakes daily—
and learn more at www.khanirving.com. n
Runoff Election Set for June 18
Voters will head to the polls June 18 to decide on the City Council
positions of mayor and Place 3. No one vying for these seats received
a majority of the votes. Refer to Page 8 for election information, voting
times and locations in English and Spanish.
Fireworks Show and Activities
The fun will continue at 6:30 p.m. at
the intersection of Las Colinas Boulevard
and Lake Carolyn Parkway with concerts
by the Irving Symphony Orchestra and
the Kenny Chavez Combo. Activities will
include inflatables and water slides. Food
concession stands and vendors will be
available. A professionally choreographed
fireworks show will begin at 9:30 p.m. Event
parking is $5 at the Irving Convention Center
parking garage, 500 W. Las Colinas Blvd.
Event Schedule
u 6 :30 to 8:30 p.m. – Kenny Chavez
Combo
u 8 :45 to 9:30 p.m. – Irving Symphony
Orchestra
u 9 :30 p.m. – Fireworks Show
For more information, call (972) 721-2501
or visit www.cityofirving.org. n
Irving Police K-9 Unit Adds New Team Member
A 2 ½-year-old Belgian Malinois named Aygo (pronounced “I-go”) has joined the Irving Police Department’s
K-9 unit to relieve Rocky, a longtime canine team member that had to retire due to illness. Aygo will partner
with Officer Ray Carmack, who has worked with K-9s for seven years. Carmack and Aygo are members of the
Police Department’s K-9 Unit, which started in the early 1990s and is made up of a sergeant, two officers and
two dogs.
Benefits of K-9s
Having a K-9 unit offers many benefits. Dogs can
search a building in half the time it would take a
number of officers. For example, trained K-9s can
search a 450,000-square-foot building in under
two hours. The same search would take five to 10
officers nearly eight hours. The dogs can locate
suspects who hide from officers while outdoors and
provide a presence that helps keep officers safe by
preventing suspects from attempting actions they
might otherwise consider if the dog was not present.
Although the dogs are trained to apprehend by biting,
this is often not necessary.
by law enforcement agencies, with the dogs coming
from Holland. The department has used this center for
the selection of the previous seven dogs, allowing the
center to become familiar with the type of dog that is
best suited for the city’s K-9 Unit. In addition, Irving’s
handlers put many different dogs through a series of
tests before the final decision was made.
“Most suspects realize that they cannot outrun the
dog and know the potential consequences if they
were to attempt to do so,” said Carmack. “In addition,
Aygo has been cross-trained in patrol searching
and narcotics detection, which allows him to locate
narcotics that an officer might miss if hidden.”
“I’m looking forward to a great, long-lasting
partnership with Aygo to help keep the Irving
community safe,” said Carmack. “Aygo is a very
young-spirited and driven team member, and he is
already proving to be a great asset to the unit.”
Canine Selection
Sgt. Danny Ripley, the program coordinator, and
Carmack journeyed to the Hill Country Dog Center
located in Pipe Creek, Texas, to pick out Aygo. The
Hill Country facility is one of the largest centers used
Child Heat
Safety Reminder
The Fire and Police departments will provide
free window static clings and rearview mirror
hangers to Irving parents as a reminder to not
leave their children in an unattended vehicle.
For more information, call (972) 721-2514.
Safety Tips
u Never
leave infants, children or pets in
a parked car—even if the windows are
slightly open.
u Put
something that will be needed for
work—cell phone, briefcase, employee
badge, etc.—in the backseat.
u Keep
a stuffed animal in the car seat.
When the child is buckled in, place the
stuffed animal in the front seat as a
reminder.
u When
Aygo with his handler, Officer Carmack
Retired Rocky
Aygo’s predecessor, Rocky, served with the K-9
unit for seven years. Rocky’s retirement accelerated
due to a diagnosis of lymphoma. Having undergone
chemotherapy, Rocky is reportedly doing well and
continues to live with Carmack. n
Scan this code with a
smartphone to watch a
video on Irving’s new K-9. To
read the code, download a free
mobile app at i-nigma.mobi.
Residents Required to Obey Parking Regulations
The Irving Police Department reminds motorists of
city and state parking regulations. Violations can
result in fines or the towing of vehicles. Following
are common violations.
P
It is illegal to park vehicles:
u On
u In
a sidewalk.
front of a driveway.
u On
the grass in front or side yards.
u On
a street, alley or public way for more than
48 hours.
u Within
15 feet of a fire hydrant, 20 feet of a
crosswalk, or 30 feet of a stop sign or traffic
signal.
u In
an accessible parking space without displaying
the appropriate plate or placard, even if a driver
or passenger of the vehicle has a disability.
u In
an accessible space when neither the driver
nor any passenger has a disability, even if the
vehicle displays the appropriate plate or placard.
City ordinance requires that drivers parallel park
their vehicles within 18 inches of the edge of a
roadway, facing in the direction of legal traffic flow.
It is illegal to park a trailer, recreational vehicle or
boat on the street. For more information, call the
Irving Police Department at (972) 721-2518. n
leaving, check to be sure everyone
is out of the car. Do not overlook children
who may have fallen asleep.
u Call
Once Aygo was selected, he and Carmack attended
a four-week handler course, which allows the officer
and dog time to bond. Afterward, an eight-hour
training day is set aside each week to continue
training.
911 to report a child unattended in a
vehicle.
Code Enforcement Provides Summer Reminders
Garage Sales
A permit is needed to hold a garage sale in Irving. Residents can register their garage sale electronically at
www.cityofirving.org under the “Residents” section, or in person at one of the kiosks located on the first floor
of City Hall, 825 W. Irving Blvd. There is no cost to register the garage sale. The City of Irving allows two garage
sales per calendar year, each not more than three days in duration.
High Grass and Weeds
Weeds and grass more than 10 inches in height are a violation
of city code. Grass and weeds must be mowed to the edge
of the roadway, including any alleyways. Edging is required
along sidewalks and curbs. Property owners and tenants
are responsible for keeping lawns maintained. Refusal to
comply within seven days of a notice can result in a citation
and the city bringing the property into compliance. For more
information, call Code Enforcement at (972) 721-4929. n
P. 2
June 2011
Summer Programs Kick Off in
June at the Irving Public Library
Readers of all ages can win prizes throughout the summer by
participating in the Irving Public Library’s Summer Reading Clubs. Join
in on the fun by registering at any library location through July 31. Prizes
will be available while supplies last.
Children’s Summer Reading Club – Dig Up a
Good Book!
Kids who sign up are recognized for the days they
read 20 minutes or more. With every 10 days of
reading, they will receive certificates, books and
prizes. In addition, the library will offer families
fun activities that encourage reading and lay the
foundation for literacy, enabling children to succeed
in today’s world. Summer Reading Club activities
include puppet shows, magicians, yo-yoing, music,
and live animal shows. Each branch offers weekly
programs on a specific day at 2:30 p.m.
Weekly Schedule
u Monday – East Branch Library, 440 S. Nursery
Road
u Tuesday – West Irving Library, 4444 W. Rochelle
Road
u Wednesday – Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron
Trail
u Saturday – Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd.
Texas Teens Read! – Going Global, Staying
Connected!
The teen Summer Reading Club is for students in
grades 6–12. Participants are rewarded for every
seven hours of reading. Teen programs will be
offered throughout the summer at various library
locations. Programs include author visits, movie
marathons, Wii gaming competitions, live animal
demonstrations and crafts.
Adult Summer Reading Club – Celebrate
Reading
The adult Summer Reading Club is open to ages 18
and older. Adults are required to read five books to
be eligible for a prize. The Irving Public Library offers
mosquito Hot Line
Irving residents are reminded to defend
themselves against West Nile virus by
following the “Four Ds.”
u
u
u
u
Dusk/Dawn
– the times of day to stay
indoors.
Dress – wear long sleeves and long
pants when outdoors during these
times.
DEET – an ingredient to look for when
purchasing and using insect repellent.
Drain – minimize outside standing
water so it does not become a mosquito
breeding site.
Think Green …
Be Green
Hobby Beekeeping … Getting Started
Students will gain insight into the life and
work of the honey bee as well as information
about how to become a beekeeper. Class
topics include cost, equipment, setup,
location, time commitment and resources.
Local beekeepers will be available to
answer questions. Registration is required.
Students should wear long pants, closed-toed
shoes and a long-sleeved shirt. Additional
beekeeping equipment will be provided.
June 18
9 to 11 a.m.
Location: TBA
Planting with Native Grasses
Participants in this class will learn from
expert John Snowden, owner of Bluestem
Nursery, about how to incorporate native
grasses into their landscapes.
July 9
9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Irving Garden and Arts Center
906 S. Senter Road
Children’s event at library
a variety of book clubs to help participants meet the
reading requirements. For book club details, visit
www.cityofirving.org/library and select “Find Books
and More” and locate the “Book Clubs” hyperlink.
Young Adult Author Visit
7 p.m. June 23, Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd.
Best-selling author Stephanie Perkins will talk about
her young adult smash hit, Anna and the French
Kiss, as well as her new release, Lola and the Boy
Next Door, to be published in September. The
presentation will be followed by a question-andanswer session and a book-signing opportunity.
Copies of her book will be available for purchase
by cash or check. Call (972) 721-2606 for more
information Use the city’s new calendar at www.
cityofirving.org/library for more details about
upcoming events. n
To register for Think Green ... Be Green
classes, visit www.cityofirving.org/begreen
and select “Educational Opportunities.” For
more information, call (972) 742-2296.
Air Quality ... Become a Solution
to the Pollution
u Use mass transit, carpool, ride a bike or
walk.
u Reduce idling.
u Refuel vehicles during the cooler parts of
the day.
For more information, visit
www.cityofirving.org. n
Enhancements Made to Neighborhood Parks
Woodhaven Neighborhood Park – Woodhaven Neighborhood Park has been renovated to include a new
ADA accessible play unit, picnic tables, benches, drinking fountain, solar lighting, two new trees and new turf.
The renovations to the park, located at Adah Lane and Hanover Drive, were based on input received from the
neighborhood association. Cost of the renovations was $45,000. The Capital Improvement Program Team
acted as the general contractor to design and construct the project, saving approximately 50 percent on the
cost of using an outside contractor. Parks and Recreation staff completed the demolition work, equipment
installation, concrete work and tree plantings.
Nichols Park – Nichols Park has a new ADA accessible play unit with a shade canopy, new shelter with tables,
cooking grill, benches, ADA accessible drinking fountain and sandbox play area. Improvements to the park,
located at Holland Drive and Newton Circle East, were based on input from the neighborhood association.
Existing picnic pads were upgraded with ADA accessible equipment, light fixtures were replaced with more
efficient luminaries and the basketball court was resurfaced. Cost for the renovations totaled $210,000. The
Capital Improvement Program Team acted as the general contractor to design and construct the project,
saving approximately 50 percent on the cost of using an outside contractor. Two new stone masonry
monument signs with ornamental plants also were installed. Parks and Recreation staff completed the
demolition work and equipment installation. n
Report issues to the Vector Control Hot Line
at (972) 721-3755.
Nichols Park shelter
WWW. CITY OF IRVING . ORG
Accessible play unit
P. 7
Runoff to Decide Mayor, Place 3 for City Council
A runoff election set for June 18 will decide on the positions of mayor and City Council Place 3.
Any resident who is a registered voter may vote for
the mayor’s seat. Place 3 is a single-member district
and only registered voters living in this district may
vote for these candidates. The runoff election is
necessary because none of the original candidates
for these two seats received a majority of votes,
as required by the city charter. Following are the
candidates in the runoff election presented in
ballot order.
Mayoral Candidates
Early Voting Locations in Irving
u Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd.
u City Hall, 825 W. Irving Blvd.
u Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron Trail
Early Voting Dates and Times
June 6–11................................... 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
June 12....................................... 1 to 6 p.m.
June 13–14................................. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Casillas Electrorales para el 18 de Junio
City Precinct No.
Distrito Electoral
No.
Mayor – For the position of mayor, voters will
decide between incumbent Herbert A. Gears, 49, a
small business owner who has lived in Irving for 28
years, and Beth Van Duyne, 40, a communications
professional who has lived in the city for 14 years.
Van Duyne received 41 percent of the original vote
and Gears garnered 38 percent. The other two
candidates, Joe Putnam and Tom Spink, received
14 percent and 7 percent, respectively.
Place 3 – Voters in Place 3 will choose from Dennis
Webb, 52, a firefighter who has resided in Irving for
28 years, and David Gutierrez, 59, owner of a wood
working business who has lived in the city for 24
years. Webb received 48 percent of the original vote
and Gutierrez garnered 26 percent. Gutierrez earned
a spot in the runoff election over the third candidate,
Kensley Stewart.
June 18 Polling Places
Candidatos para Alcalde
Herbert A. Gears
Election Precincts
Número del Distrito
1
Sally B. Elliott Elementary
1900 S. Story Road
2
Lee Britain Elementary
631 Edmondson Drive
4602, 4603, 4604,
4607
3
Otis Brown Elementary
2501 W. Tenth St.
4605, 4606
*4
Georgia Farrow
Recreation Center
530 Davis Drive
5
L.B. Barton Elementary
2931 Conflans Road
6
Irving High School
900 O’Connor Road
*7
Austin Middle School
825 E. Union Bower Road
4608, 4616, 4617, 4620
8
A.S. Johnston Elementary
2801 Rutgers Drive
4624, 4625, 4631, 4647
9
MacArthur High School
3700 N. MacArthur Blvd.
4626, 4632, 4633,
4635, 4636, 4646,
4648, 4649
10
Fire Station No. 8
650 E. Las Colinas Drive
4627, 4628, 4629
11
Thomas Haley Elementary
3601 Cheyenne St.
4621, 4622, 4623,
4630, 4634, 4638,
4641
12
Mustang Park
Recreation Center
2223 Kinwest Parkway
4637, 4639, 4640,
4650, 4708
13
Cimarron Park
Recreation Center
201 Red River Trail
4642, 4643, 4644,
4651
Beth Van Duyne
Place 3 Candidates
Polling Place
Lugar del Distrito Electoral
4600, 4601
4609, 4610, 4645
Candidatos para Lugar 3
Dennis Webb
David Gutierrez
Election Day
June 18.................................... 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
On Election Day, residents must vote at the polling
place designated for the election precinct in which
they reside (listing at right).
Election Results
Results will be available at www.cityofirving.org,
www.dalcoelections.org and on ICTN 1 (Time
Warner 16 and Verizon Channel 30). Those who
do not have cable television can watch ICTN live
streaming video at www.ictn.tv. For additional
information, call the City Secretary’s Office at (972)
721-2493 (English) or (214) 422-3751 (Spanish). n
4611, 4618
4612, 4613, 4614,
4615, 4619
*Note: Two of the city’s primary polling locations have been changed
for the runoff election due to Irving ISD summer construction and
renovations. *Nota: Para las elecciones de la segunda vuelta, dos
de los principales lugares de votación han sido cambiados debido a
construcción/renovaciones de verano de ISD (por sus siglas in inglés)
de Irving.
Elecciones de Segunda Vuelta para Elegir al Alcalde y al Regidor del Lugar 3
Una elección de desempate se llevará a cabo el
18 de junio del 2011 para decidir las posiciones de
alcalde y el concejal del Lugar 3 del Consejo de la
Ciudad.
Cualquier residente que esté registrado para votar
podrá hacerlo para la posición de alcalde. La
posición del Lugar 3 del concejo es una posición
de un distrito-único, y solamente aquellas personas
registradas para votar que viven en el respectivo
distrito podrán participar en la votación para los
candidatos inscritos. La elección de segunda
vuelta es necesaria debido a que ninguno de
los candidatos originales para estas posiciones
recibió una mayoría de votos, tal como lo exige
la ley orgánica de la ciudad. A continuación, se
encuentran los candidatos presentados de acuerdo
al orden de la boleta de votación para las elecciones
de la segunda vuelta.
Alcalde – Para esta posición de alcalde, los
votantes decidirán entre el alcalde actual Herbert
A. Gears, de 49 años de edad, dueño de un
negociante pequeño, quien ha vivido en Irving por
28 años, y Beth Van Duyne, de 40 años de edad,
una profesional en el campo de las comunicaciones
quien ha vivido en la ciudad por 14 años. Van Duyne
recibió el 41 por ciento de los votos y Gears reunió
el 38 por ciento. Los otros dos candidatos, Joe
Putnam y Tom Spink, recibieron el 14 por ciento y 7
por ciento, respectivamente.
Lugar 3 – Los votantes para ésta posición elegirán
entre Dennis Webb, de 52 años de edad, bombero
que ha residido en Irving por 28 años, y David
Gutierrez, de 59 años de edad, dueño de un
negocio de madera quien ha vivido en la ciudad
por 24 años. Webb recibió el 48 por ciento de los
votos y Gutiérrez reunió el 26 por ciento. Gutiérrez
ganó la oportunidad del desempate sobre la tercera
candidata, Kensley Stewart.
Centros de Votación Adelantada
Centro de Artes de Irving, 3333 MacArthur Blvd.
u Alcaldía, 825 W. Irving Blvd.
u Biblioteca Valley Ranch, 401 Cimarron Trail
u
Fechas y horarios de votación adelantada
6–11 de junio.......................... 8 a.m. a 5 p.m.
12 de junio.............................. 1 a 6 p.m.
13–14 de junio........................ 7 a.m. a 7 p.m.
Trash Collection Holiday
In observance of Independence Day, there will be
no residential trash, curbside recycling or brush
collection on July 4. In addition, the following
facilities will be closed:
u
u
Día de Elecciones
18 de junio.............................. 7 a.m. a 7 p.m.
u
u
u
Los residentes deben de votar en el lugar de
votación designado para la elección del distrito
electoral en el cual residen (listado arriba).
City Spectrum is published monthly by the City of Irving
Corporate Communications Department to keep residents
informed of activities and news that may be of interest to them.
P. 8
Resultados de las Elecciones
Los resultados estarán disponibles en www.
cityofirving.org, www.dalcoelections.org, y en la
Red de Televisión Comunitaria de Irving en ICTN 1
(por sus siglas en inglés) (Time Warner canal 16 y
Verizon canal 30). Aquellos que no tengan servicio
de televisión de cable podrán ver la transmisión
en vivo conectándose “online” mediante ICTN
en www.ictn.tv. Para más información, llame a la
Oficina de la Secretaria de la Ciudad al (972) 7212493 (inglés) o al (214) 422-3751 (español). n
u
City Hall
Heritage/North Lake aquatic centers
Hunter Ferrell Landfill
Libraries
Recreation centers
Recycling centers
Interact with Irving online:
All offices and services will resume
normal business hours on July 5.
June 2011