PfCONA TIDBITS - COMMUNITY ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS/NEWSBYTES (share w/Pflugerville area pfolks)
MANY PEOPLE ARE WORKING TO MAKE PFLUGERVILLE A BETTER PLACE:
Neighborhoods can help foster a "sense of community" by sharing this E-mail with leaders / block captains / contacts / residents and by including online or in newsletters. Also, work alongside other neighborhoods, churches, community organizations, and city services. If you want to be part of PfCONA's 40-plus neighborhood network, go to: www.pfcona.org/HowTo.htm.
July 15th - Music Festival (fundraiser for PFD Fire House)
Saturday, July 15th, from 10am-4pm at Pflugerville HS Parking Lot. The festival will consist of a line up of 6 extraordinary bands, attractions, pony rides, balloon twister, Patriotic helipcopter, Pflugerville Police Department, Pflugerville Fire Department, Food and Drinks, Merchant vendors, Comicaturist, Snow Cones, Silent Auction and more...
A minimum of a $5 donation will be accepted at the front entrance. Larger donations are greatly appreciated. All donations will go towards the Fire House. For more information, contact Janie Balderas, Event Producer, with BigBash Productions at 989-7656 or janie_balderas@sbcglobal.net.
July 16th - 22nd - Food Pantry Appreciation Week in Pflugerville
Mayor Callen made such a proclamation at July 11th Council meeting to call upon all citizens to recognize food pantries in Pflugerville and to contribute generously to the
efforts of food pantries in Pflugerville to provide food to those who are hungry
with compassion, dignity, and hope.
efforts of food pantries in Pflugerville to provide food to those who are hungry
with compassion, dignity, and hope.
The Storehouse at 1202 FM 685 is asking for help from the community (open Monday thru Saturday, 10am-7pm) to receive food or cash donations since summertime is when donations often drop off and the need is still great. Their phone number is 989-9989. Most churches in Pflugerville have a food food pantry or support one in town. Some examples of pantries accepting donations are First Baptist Church Food Pantry, First United Methodist Church Food Pantry, Immanuel Lutheran Church Food Pantry, North Rural Community Center Food Pantry, and St. Vincent de Paul at St. Elizabeth's Church. Family Faith Center and Pflugerville Community Church support The Storehouse.
July 19th - Downtown Planning Committee Meeting
Starts at 7pm at City Council Chambers at 100 E. Main. Click here for agenda that is posted on city website by 5pm the Friday before meeting. DPC has setup working teams that citizens are invited to participate in such as Downtown Events working team. To volunteer, come to meeting or E-mail your interest in helping or your suggestions to Rod Reyna, DPC chair, at rodreyna@sbcglobal.net, or Jeffrey Reeb, DPC Vice Chair, at jr7332@hotmail.com or Victor Gonzales, DPC Secretary, at council5@cityofpflugerville.com.
Note: PfCONA has been involved in this diverse committee for the past 2 years and plans to continue to be represented, as is the Old Town Neighborhood Association, in order to help revitalize downtown on behalf of neighborhoods and businesses. Groups with reps on this committee are: Planning & Zoning, Board of Adjustment, Pflugerville Community Development Corporation, Chamber of Commerce, Pflugerville Downtown Association, and Architectural Review Board. City Manager's Office and Building Inspection are involved when necessary as resources to committee.
Note: PfCONA has been involved in this diverse committee for the past 2 years and plans to continue to be represented, as is the Old Town Neighborhood Association, in order to help revitalize downtown on behalf of neighborhoods and businesses. Groups with reps on this committee are: Planning & Zoning, Board of Adjustment, Pflugerville Community Development Corporation, Chamber of Commerce, Pflugerville Downtown Association, and Architectural Review Board. City Manager's Office and Building Inspection are involved when necessary as resources to committee.
July 24th, 25th - Trans Texas Corridor Public Hearings (closest to Pflugerville)
Starting at 6:30pm (open house at 5pm to review maps/ask questions/give comments online) residents can hear oral presentation and give oral comments on July 24th in Georgetown at Georgetown ISD Klett Center for the Performing Arts, 2211 N. Austin Ave. or on July 25th in Taylor at Taylor High School Auditorium, 3101 N. Main St. Hearing is on TTC-35 plan, which involves the Oklahoma to Mexico/Gulf Coast element. TTC-35 is a proposed multi-use, transportation project
that could incorporate existing and new highways, railways and utility right of ways.
As envisioned, it may include separate lanes for passenger vehicles and large trucks, freight railways, high-speed commuter railways, and infrastructure for utilities including
water lines, oil and gas pipelines, and transmission lines for electricity, broadband and other telecommunications services.
For a full list of 54 public hearing locations and dates go to: http://www.keeptexasmoving.com/publications/files/TTC-35_Meeting_Handout_Summer_06_ENGLISH.pdf or call toll free at 877-872-6789. Go to http://www.keeptexasmoving.com/ for other information and related video. Public comment must be submitted by August 21, 2006 and can be done online.
July 18th - 26th - Capital MetroRail Open Houses
Attend for an All Systems Go progress report and get a preview of train. Feedback is being solicited on train station design and concepts in neighborhoods. Scheduled open houses are below (RSVP to: rsvp@capmetro.org):
Plaza
MLK Station - Thursday, July 20 - 6:30pm - 8:30pm, David Chapel Missionary Baptist Church,
Howard, Lakeline and Braker Stations - Saturday, July 22 - 9am - 11am, The
Lamar and Highland Mall Stations - Tuesday, July 25 - 6:30pm - 8:30pm, Norris Conference Ctr./Northcross Mall, 2525
Leander Station - Wednesday, July 26 - 6:30pm - 8:30pm, Pat Bryson Municipal Hall, 201 N. Brushy
August 1st - National Night Out
To sign up for your block and/or neighborhood party call Cpl. Mike Clowdus, NNO Coordinator, at 670-5512 or E-mail: mclowdus@cityofpflugerville.com. Police Department will be sending out party applications to those who have previously held parties. Let's see how many parties our Pflugerville neighborhood/homeowner associations can organize. NNO and Neighborhood Watch is a great way to invigorate a neighborhood and set the foundation for block captain/contact program and an active association/homeowner association.
August 6th - Heritage House Museum Open to Public
Open every first Sunday from 1pm to 4pm at 901 Old Hutto Road. For more information contact 251-5082.
August 8th - Chamber Chatter
On Tuesday at 11:30am at 16303 Yellow Sage. Speaker to be announced. Cost is $12 to attend. Please RSVP by Friday, June 9th, 1:00pm to the Chamber Office at 251-7799. "No shows" will be invoiced. Bring your business cards for a door prize drawing.
August 14th - PfCONA Town Meeting on Texas Tollways & Tags/ Engaging Citizens to Work with Senior Citizens
To be held at Justice Center at 1611 E. Pfennig Ln. on Monday from 7pm to 8:30pm.
Topics of discussion: Featured speakers are:
James Whittmeyer, Texas Tollways Public Information Coordinator:
Texas Tollways says it is committed to keeping motorists in our area informed about our progress and what it means for them. Critical to that effort is securing the opportunity to speak with residents, business men and women, elected officials, and other civic leaders in the community. A short presentation and video about the new roads and the TxTag electronic toll collection system will be shown.
James Whittmeyer, Texas Tollways Public Information Coordinator:
Texas Tollways says it is committed to keeping motorists in our area informed about our progress and what it means for them. Critical to that effort is securing the opportunity to speak with residents, business men and women, elected officials, and other civic leaders in the community. A short presentation and video about the new roads and the TxTag electronic toll collection system will be shown.
Serita Lacasse, Faith in Action Pflugerville Caregivers Executive Director:
Pflugerville Caregivers is seeking to partner with neighborhood associations to spread the word that many seniors in our area need help.
Pflugerville Caregivers is seeking to partner with neighborhood associations to spread the word that many seniors in our area need help.
September 6th - Keep Pflugerville Beautiful Meeting
To be held at Justice Center at 1611 E. Pfennig Ln. on Wednesday at 5:30pm. KPB is inviting neighborhoods to join to help plan and carry out citywide projects (e.g., dumpster day, citywide cleanup, Christmas decorations, gateways, and cell phone recycle. Contact Diane Anderson with KPB at dianeanderson@sbcglobal.net.
September 7th - ESD#2 Administration Building Groundbreaking
On Thursday, September 7th at 11am, Travis County Emergency Services District #2 groundbreaking for their new administration building will take place.
September 11th - PfCONA Neighborhood Leader Roundtable
To be held at Justice Center at 1611 E. Pfennig Ln. on 2nd Monday from 7pm to 8:30pm. A representative of each of the 40 homeowner/neighborhood/property owner associated organizations affiliated with Pflugerville Council of Neighborhood Associations is asked to attend in order to review and make recommendations on pertinent city and organization issues as well as dialogue and network with one another and get the scoop on what is going on in Pflugerville neighborhoods and broader community. Pflugerville area residents and potential leaders are invited to participate.
Local/county/state officials are invited and regularly attend PfCONA town meetings and roundtables to reach out to Pflugerville area neighborhood/community organization leaders and residents in order to gather input, answer questions, share information, or make announcements.
September 16th - Pflugerville Circle of Pfriends "2006 Boot Scootin' Gala"
Saturday, September 16th, from 6:30pm to 11:30pm at Pfluger Hall at 203 E. Pecan. Will include BBQ buffet, beer, wine, silent and live auctions, and music. $40 donation per person. For more information, contact Glenda Spoonemore at 251-4790 or E-mail at spoonemo@hotmail.com.
Note: Circle of Pfriends sole purpose is to raise funds for the new Dell Children's Hospital of Central Texas located at the old airport in Austin. This hospital serves Pflugerville, including Travis and Williamson Counties. In all it serves 46 counties. The Pflugerville group alone raised $40,000 last year and $48,000 the year before.
October 21st - Pfamily Pfestival & Expo, "Come Home to Shop"
Mark your calendar for Saturday event, 9am - 4pm, outside on Pflugerville High School campus. If you know or are part of a group that would like to have a demonstration or to entertain, please contact the Chamber at 251-7799 or E-mail: gpcc@sbcglobal.net. Volunteers are needed to make this event a success. To join planning committee, contact the Chamber.
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Click here for other meeting/event dates listed on City Calendar on city website. E-mail request to communitycalendar@cityofpflugerville.com to place your school, non-profit, HOA/NA, or church events on calendar.
Click here for events at library.
Click here for public notices (annexation, rezoning, etc.) on City website.
Click here for city council and other boards/commissions/committee agendas and minutes on city website.
Click here for Community Calendar sponsored by PfCONA.(ask how to put something on it)
Click here for info to consider when buying a home in Pflugerville.
Click here for Latest Map showing properties signed up for ETJ expansion
Click here for events at library.
Click here for public notices (annexation, rezoning, etc.) on City website.
Click here for city council and other boards/commissions/committee agendas and minutes on city website.
Click here for Community Calendar sponsored by PfCONA.(ask how to put something on it)
Click here for info to consider when buying a home in Pflugerville.
Click here for Latest Map showing properties signed up for ETJ expansion
Click here for Upcoming Elections dates on Secretary of State website.
Note: City Newsletter, Pflugerville Pfacts, has been discontinued in order to see if money can be better spent on a similar or different informational resource.
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Correction from Last Tidbits
In regard to brief in last Tidbits, it was mentioned that Keep Pflugerville Beautiful (KPB), an affiliate of Keep Texas Beautiful, was starting a new program called, Commercial Curb Appeal. This group of eight volunteers will be giving awards to Pflugerville businesses. PfCONA Chair utilized what turned out to be unconfirmed information from a very helpful Pflugerville Pflag reporter (Pflag did not include once story was published). Almost every volunteer is not a stay at home mom, as opposed to what was noted in brief. They are also not making awards themselves. They are being professionally done.
Windermere Utility Rate Increase Protest
Per information submitted to PfCONA on July 10th and discussed at PfCONA Neighborhood Leader Roundtable, a sample copy of protest letters against Windermere Utility Rate increases have been sent to Windermere, Cambridge Heights, North Park and West Park/Park Place, according to Cathy Caballero with Springbrook Meadows Owners Association. She said that all of their neighborhoods plan on going door to door to request people sign a protest letter. She will personally collect all gathered from each neighborhood and commercial property affected and will deliver them to the TCEQ all at once to ensure they have the minimum requirement to mandate a public hearing. She said that the important thing is to get the protests in to petition for a hearing, and she prefers to do relatively quickly (within one month) so we can proceed with getting a hearing scheduled as soon as possible.
Click here for a sample copy letter. Cathy may be contacted for more information at
cjcaballero@sbcglobal.net, or call 989-9070. Her husband was a part of the 2001 negotiating committee that reached a settlement with the water company. She said that she has all the documents that showed what their rates were to be over the next 3 years and future years if no rate increase was filed. She said she has reason to believe they are being charged at a higher rate than what they are supposed to.
Note: PfCONA chair feels that it would certainly be prudent over the course of time to have utility company prove that what they are proposing is necessary, is based on solid and realistic facts/figures, and benefits customers. Residents in the service area (16 neighborhoods affected) and neighborhood/community leaders need to ask many questions, do their research, develop an informed opinion, and state their case as well in a persuasive and positive manner--ready to recommend viable and workable solution(s).
Hopefully many people will give their feedback via phone/E-mail/meetings, whatever it may be, because Bill Jasura*, company Vice President, claims that he had not really received too much feedback, especially against rate increase, as of 7/12. Hopefully the negotiation goes well and all sides involved develop a respectful and working relationship in order to reach a consensus.
*Contact info: Bill Jasura, VP Windermere Utility, Rate Increase Direct Line: 531-6287,
Office Phone: 990-4322, bjasura@swwc.com. See www.pfcona.blogspot.com/ for summary of recent conversation with Mr. Jasura and feel free to post comments on this issue.
Lake Pflugerville Grand Opening
The first public event on Lake Pflugerville took place on July 1st and at leat 500 people came out to enjoy food and water activities, not too mention get free t-shirts, water bottles, and frisbees. The lake is bordered by Weiss and Pfluger Lanes. It took almost six years to build and is the largest project in Pflugerville's history. While the lake's purpose is not recreation, the reservoir built to accomodate the city's needs as it grows, includes recreational opportunities such as water-filled playground for fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating. There are fishing piers and a 3.1 mile crushed granite trail. [Source: based on 7/6 Pflugerville Pflag story]
Note: Although it is not planting time right now, PfCONA wishes for neighborhoods to consider, early next year, working with Parks and Rec to help donate (at least one tree) and plant trees, to beautify the lake area. Also, please notify police at 251-4004 of any persons doing anything destructive to the park or of any suspicious activity, as you already do for your neighborhoods and local parks.
Notice of Openings on SH130/SH45 Corridor Development Strategy Advisory Committee*
The City of Pflugerville is currently accepting applications of citizens-at-large for two positions on the SH 130 and SH 45 Corridor Development Strategy Project Advisory Committee. The City Council created this advisory committee to provide local knowledge and guidance to the consultant team which will be essential throughout the project to offer insight and decisions regarding current characteristics, anticipated trends, future and preferred development patterns and final deliverables. The purpose of the corridor study is to evaluate the corridors and propose development strategies to complement the corridors. To accomplish this the project is separated into three phases. The consultant has been given the authorization to proceed with the first of the three phases, the Visioning and Base Studies. The anticipated length of the project is nine months.
Applicants are required to have 1-year of City residency. Members serve without compensation and may not be employed by or hold any other position in the City's government. To apply, please prepare and submit a letter of interest to the Planning Department by fax to 251-8525 or email to treyf@cityofpflugerville.com. The submittal deadline is Friday, July 21, 2006. [Source: City website]
*Besides citizen-at-large representatives and Council members, Council has also called for committee to include one representative each from: PCDC, P&Z, Parks/Rec, PfCONA, and three reps for landowners along specified corridor. Nancy Ramsey has been appointed by PfCONA, for confirmation, to be on advisory committee. Please e-mail your suggestions to her at kenramsey@cox-internet.com.
Let's Make Pflugerville a Community that Supports its Businesses
Click here for "Getting Neighborhood Residents to Come Home to Shop Downtown and Beyond" document, originally presented by PfCONA at May GPCC Chamber Chatter, which also includes "10 Things GPCC Can Do for PfCONA/Neighborhoods". Click here for past Discover the Heart of Pflugerville editorial in Pflag.
Community Business Directory on City Website
The City of Pflugerville
(If you are a business within the city limits of Pflugerville and would like to be included in this directory, send your information to: kathye@cityofpflugerville.com.)
Residents of Pflugerville on City Committees - 2006
The residents of Pflugerville are represented by board and commission members chosen by the City Council for their expertise and knowledge in selected areas of City service. The following citizens were similarly chosen to serve in 2006 on the Deutschen Pfest Committee and did a fine job on our May 2006 event:
Deutschen Pfest Committee:
Starlett Sattler (Chair), Gary Sattler, Judy Sansom, Phillip & Terri Cervin, Sheri Moose, Sue Bryant, Kathy Miller, Lt. Laura Wilkes, Trish Smith, Karen Luttrell, Julie Zerbel, Cindy McCord, Connie Dickinson, Melissa Duncan, Pat McCord, Deb Dye, Laura Gillam, Beth Davis, Sheila Aboii, Glen Holzer, and Amy Atkins.
Click here for more information on city website about Deutschen Pfest Committee.
Note: Previously listed in last Tidbits were residents serving on other City Board/Commissions/Committees. See http://www.pfcona.blogspot.com/ for past Tidbits.
Pflugerville Superintendent Resigns
The Pflugerville ISD Board of Trustees announced July 11th that they accepted the resignation of superintendent Dr. Patricia Pickles in a 7-0 vote to approve a voluntary exit agreement. Pickles was hired last spring and went on a leave of absence from the district last month.
Charles Dupre will continue to serve the district as acting superintendent until a new superintendent is named. The board has not determined a time frame in which the search for a superintendent will begin.
Pflugerville ISD will move forward and continue to do what it has always done - serve the needs of our students, Board President Dr. Carol Fletcher said. The district has shown its ability to adjust to changes, but one thing about PISD will never change - its devotion to providing a quality education to every student, every day. [Source: Community Impact Newspaper]
School Board Briefs Now Available
Pflugerville ISD is now publishing a new feature called Board Briefs after each meeting of the Pflugerville ISD Board of Trustees. It does not replace the minutes that are approved the following meeting, but is an attempt to give an overview of topics discussed and actions made. Our goal to is have the Briefs available within 48 hours of each meeting. Board Briefs may be found on the same page as Agendas and Minutes: www.pflugervilleisd.net/leaders/agenda_minutes.html [Source: PISD website]
Click here for 2006-2007 PISD School Calendar.
Click here for PISD Facts PDF.
Click here for 2006-2007 PISD School Calendar.
Click here for PISD Facts PDF.
Saxony Neighborhood Pool Memberships Still Available
Quiet, private pool is located at 100 Elm Dr. Fee is $200. Pool is open 7 days a week most of the year. E-mail Saxony Pool Chair at nyland.mj@sbcglobal.net. If your neighborhood doesn't have a pool, Saxony has one for area residents to join.
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E-mail from Pflugerville Council of Neighborhood Associations (PfCONA)
PfCONA's efforts include being a clearinghouse of information for the Pflugerville community and to foster collaborative efforts, workgroups, and forums to develop solutions for the community. PfCONA has been working for the community for the past 21 years and counting.
Note: In regard to neighborhood acitvities, please send us your news items to promote and make neighborhoods aware of what you are up to (info@pfcona.org); and, please consider putting Tidbit items in your own newsletter, if not already. You may also consider mentioning that you are a PfCONA member and PfCONA's years of service on behalf of the community.
posted by PfCONA @ 7/14/2006 02:47:00 PM
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