McKinney receives more than $1 million energy grant

City of McKinney Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

McKinney receives more than $1 million energy grant
Department of Energy funding to be used for new green initiatives

McKINNEY, TEXAS (May 12, 2010) – The City of McKinney is the recipient of a grant totaling $1,071,500 from the Department of Energy (DOE) as part of that organization’s Energy Efficiency Conservation Block grant.

In order to receive the grant, however, McKinney first had to develop an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (EECS) and used an initial $100,000 of the grant to hire architectural, engineering and consulting firm HDR to assist in the effort. A team of 25 city staff members across all city departments comprises the Green Team, which also worked on the initial plan.

The DOE notified the city of approval of the EECS and made the remaining $971,500 of the grant available to complete the projects identified in the EECS. The eight activities for the grant proposal include water conservation education and marketing, building and facility energy efficiency, developing a community sustainability plan, hiring an environmental coordinator and grant administrator, installing a high-visibility renewable energy demonstration project, conducting an urban forest study, conducting a comprehensive commuter bike study, and replacing 97 high-pressure sodium bulbs in city-owned street lights along Virginia and U.S. 380 with LED light bulbs.

“The City of McKinney worked hard to receive this grant, and we are excited aboutimplementing the programs this money will fund. We will be developing and implementing eight initiatives, all as part of this Energy Efficiency Grant effort. We are proud that our projects are innovative – a true mark of a community that is unique by nature,” said Green Programs Manager Julie Smith.

The EECS process produced an outline of what programs the city intended to implement to utilize renewable energy sources and reduce energy demand, fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions. HDR assessed the potential for funding activities identified by the city’s Green Team. The assessment included developing a carbon footprint for the city for 2008 and 2009 that evaluated total electric and/or gas consumption by department, building address and building type; fuel use by department, type and carbon dioxide emissions; and water consumption by department and address.

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Cell phone use limited in schools zones during school hours

City of McKinney Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cell phone use limited in schools zones during school hours
Use allowed with hands-free devices or when vehicles stopped

McKINNEY, TEXAS (Aug. 7, 2009) – McKinney City Council passed an ordinance last night limiting the use of mobile devices while driving in school zones. City leaders, McKinney Police and Fire Departments and school districts within the city worked together on the ordinance with the goal of increasing safety measures for school zones.

Use of a mobile communication device on city streets is prohibited when the school zone hours are in effect in the morning and afternoon for drivers of any vehicle if the car is in motion. Hands-free devices are allowed when using a mobile communications device in a school zone, and cell phone use is allowed in a vehicle when it is stopped. It is permissible for passengers in the cars to use cell phones. There are exceptions for medical, fire or police related emergencies.

“Using a cell phone to talk or send messages while driving distracts drivers and increases safety risks and creates a danger to school children. We want to do everything we can to limit those risks, and this ordinance helps us achieve that goal,” said Police Chief Doug Kowalski.

Drivers caught using a cell phone to place calls or send text messages in a school zone or in the public street without using a hands free device while operating a vehicle could get warning the first time or up to a $200 fine. Signs will be posted warning drivers of the new ordinance.

The ordinance was amended from one passed in February to be in compliance with state law and will be enforced at the start of the school year.

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McKinney 2009 City Council election results

McKINNEY, Texas (May 9, 2009) – Today McKinney residents turned out to cast their ballots in the general election to elect new City Council seats for Mayor, one At-large seat, District 1 and District 3. To be elected to City Council, a candidate must receive a majority of votes in the general election, or more than 50 percent of the total vote.

Brian Loughmiller has won the seat of Mayor and earned a three-year term on McKinney City Council, according to the unofficial election results from the Collin County Election Administrator. Loughmiller earned 3915 votes or 60.53 percent of the total, defeating George Fuller, who earned 2553 votes or 39.47 percent of the total. Travis Ussery ran unopposed for the District 3 Council seat and collected 602 votes.

David Brooks was elected to the seat of At-large on McKinney City Council. He earned 3878 votes or 64.32 percent of the vote total and defeated Gilda Garza who earned 1117 votes or 18.53 percent, and Curtis Rath who earned 1034 votes or 17.15 percent of the vote total.

Don Day also was elected to City Council. He will represent District 1 during a three-year term. He earned 205 votes or 54.52 percent of the vote total. Day defeated Alonzo James Tutson, who earned 72 votes or 19.15 percent, Randall Odell Wilder who earned 36 votes or 9.57 percent of the vote total and Maurice Malvern who earned 63 votes or 16.76 percent of the vote total.

Please visit www.mckinneyinfo.com for more information on details for the run-off election for City Council.

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Hot Dog! Seventh-annual Krewe of Barkus Parade in McKinney

For Immediate Release

For More Information, Please Call:
Ty Lake
Main Street Program Director
972-547-2662

Anna Folmnsbee
Communications and Media Manager
972-547-7525

Hot Dog!  Seventh-annual Krewe of Barkus Parade in McKinney
Families and dogs dress up for parade, contest in Historic Downtown

McKINNEY, Texas (Feb 4, 2009) - McKinney Main Street is partnering up with the Art Institute of McKinney to host the seventh-annual Krewe of Barkus “Classic TV for Canines” dog parade and costume contest on Sunday, Feb. 22 in Historic Downtown McKinney.

Located at Mitchell Park, just west of the downtown square, vendors will be on hand starting at 12:30 p.m. to showcase their products and services. The parade begins promptly at 2 p.m. followed by the costume contest. Participants should arrive no later than 12:30 p.m. to check in for the contest and parade. All prizes will be awarded at the main stage in the park.

Last year, 200 dogs participated in the parade and more than 3,000 spectators enjoyed the sights and sounds of the event which was created by the Art Institute of McKinney.

“Of all of the successful events in Historic Downtown McKinney, Krewe of Barkus is possibly the family favorite,” said Main Street Program Director Ty Lake. “There are fun, free activities for entire families, whether they walk on two legs or four. This is an opportunity for creative fun in a family environment.”

Patterned after the Mystic Krewe of Barkus in New Orleans, which was established to help abused and abandoned canines, the Krewe of Barkus in McKinney will feature a parade, vendor booths, interactive activities and much more.

“There is nothing like a bulldog wearing a feather boa to put you in the Mardi Gras spirit,” said Blynda Christian, director of the Art Institute of McKinney and parade coordinator.  “I’m constantly amazed at the creativity we see in the costumes.”

Barkus fun isn’t limited to the dogs and their owners. Children may enter decorated floats and take part in the parade. The parade route begins at Mitchell Park at the corner of Church St. and Louisiana St., proceeding east on Louisiana, then north on Tennessee St. and finally east on Virginia ending back at Mitchell Park.

The event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required for costume contestants. Individuals planning to participate in the parade should register now, as space is limited to 250 entries. Cost for participants is $5 per dog to enter the costume contest. To register, contact the Art Institute of McKinney at 972-529-6872 or info@artinstituteofmckinney.com. Please include the dog’s name, color and breed, and the owner’s name, address, phone number and email address.

For more information about the festival call 972.547.2661 or visit www.downtownmckinney.com.

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City of McKinney takes measures to contend with budget deficit

For Immediate Release

For More Information, Please Call:
Anna Folmnsbee
Communications and Media Manager
972-547-7525
afolmnsb@mckinneytexas.org

City of McKinney takes measures to contend with budget deficit
City Manager outlines steps to make up estimated $5.1 million difference

McKINNEY, TEXAS (Jan. 16, 2009) - The City of McKinney announced today that the downturn in the economy has adversely affected revenue. Actual revenues from sales tax, permits, licenses and interest earnings are estimated to be $5.1 million less than budgeted for this fiscal year.

City Manager Frank Ragan has outlined several measures to balance the budget against the decline in revenues. However, the city does not anticipate any staff layoffs.

“It is necessary for us to cut expenses to balance the budget. The most important thing is to explore every measure possible in order to avoid layoffs and avoid reductions in the most critical services to our citizens. I think the plan we are putting into place does just that,”said Ragan.

Effective immediately, the city will implement the following measures to balance the budget:

- Freeze or delay hiring of newly budgeted and vacant positions.
- Review the need for planned consultant studies, resulting in possible delays or deferment of some.
-  Reduce or eliminate overtime by 25 percent from the original approved budget.
-  Reduce travel and training by a minimum of 10 percent from the original budget.

City staff will continue to evaluate daily operations and seek ways to save.

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MCDC approves conditional funding for Bridge Street Development

For Immediate Release

For More Information, Please Call:
Anna Folmnsbee
Communications and Media Manager
972-547-7525

MCDC approves conditional funding for Bridge Street Development
Decision to go before McKinney City Council next week

McKINNEY, Texas (Oct. 16, 2008) – The McKinney Community Development Corporation (MCDC) board today approved additional funding in the amount of $5 million for the construction of the full-service Westin Hotel and convention center. Conditions for the developer at Bridge Street Town Centre, O&S Holdings, LLC, include penalties of up to $5 million for late completion.

“No one could have predicted the severe economic downturn we’ve experienced in the last months, particularly these past couple of weeks,” said Mike Gibson, MCDC Director. “To further protect the already substantial investment in the project, we placed stringent conditions on the funding.”

O&S Holdings, LLC, requested the additional amount as up-front funding from the MCDC board at their regular meeting on Oct. 7. The board deferred the decision until their next meeting, held this morning. The approved funding will be distributed to the developer incrementally as construction progresses, not immediately as the developer initially requested.

Several conditions include project completion by February 2010, with a monthly penalty of $1 million per month up to $5 million total if the deadline is not met. Additionally, all remaining funding necessary to fully complete the project must be secured from other sources prior to the additional $5 million being made available.

“It’s incredibly important for the quality of life and economic development in our community to see this project through to completion,” said Gibson. “The decision was not made lightly, but given the current conditions, it’s in the best interest of McKinney to keep the project moving forward.”

The MCDC was formed to financially support projects that enhance quality of life and economic development, and they are funded by a half-cent sales tax. The McKinney City Council will consider the item at their next regular meeting Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall, 222 N. Tennessee Street.

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Rapid growth means some get new trash, watering day

Press Release
For Immediate Release

For More Information, Please Call:
Anna Folmnsbee
Communications and Media Manager
afolmnsb@mckinneytexas.org
972-547-7525

Rapid growth means some get new trash, watering day
McKinney re-routes give 100,000 residents different collection day

McKINNEY, Texas (Oct. 3, 2008) – For the first time since 2004, McKinney Environmental Services department is coordinating a trash collection re-route with IESI, the city’s solid waste services company. Not every house will be affected, but 10,000 residents will have a new trash collection day as of Monday, Oct. 6.

Residents who are affected have received a notice on their trash bin with their new trash day. Signs posted in neighborhoods within the re-routed area also notify residents of the change. If a resident does not receive a notice attached to the trash or recycling container, their trash collection and watering days will stay the same. The city is making some concessions to accommodate citizens during the change.

“Trash collection is a vital service, so IESI will conduct collections for those who were missed throughout the week of Oct. 6,” said Eric Hopes, Environmental and Fleet Services Manager. “Our intent is to make the changes as easy as possible, while achieving the end result of an evenly distributed refuse pick-up load.”

A new trash collection day also means a new day to for recycling and environmental waste pick-up, and a new watering day. If your trash day changes, remember to water on that new collection day and again three days later if necessary.

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Phase 2 of McKinney Smoking Ordinance Goes into Effect Sept 4

Press Release
For Immediate Release

For More Information, Please Call:
Anna Folmnsbee
Communications and Media Manager
afolmnsb@mckinneytexas.org
972-547-7525

Phase 2 of McKinney Smoking Ordinance Goes into Effect Sept. 4

McKINNEY, Texas (Aug. 29, 2008) - Smoking regulations in McKinney went into effect on New

Year’s Day this year, banning smoking in many public places. Starting Sept. 4, the second and final phase of the smoking regulations goes into effect, which means no smoking in businesses across McKinney.

The second phase includes all enclosed places of employment within the city, retail stores, offices, restaurants, public transit, museums, theaters, public parks, hospitals and common use areas in apartment and other buildings. The date for enforcing the final phase is exactly one year from the date City Council adopted the ordinance.

“We granted existing businesses with a valid certificate of occupancy dated prior to Jan. 1, 2008, a full year from the Sept. 4, 2007, ordinance adoption date to comply with the smoking ordinance,” said Community Development Director Sam Chavez. “Anyone who chooses to smoke can still do so on their personal property, among other select places.”

McKinney’s ordinance allows smoking in private residences, including porch and yard areas, personal automobiles, retail tobacco stores and designated smoking rooms of country clubs.

Smoking is also allowed in outdoor places of employment, on public sidewalks at least 25 feet from doors and windows, and in parking lots within public parks.

“Our focus for the ordinance is public health,” said Chavez. “We have had great compliance with the first phase of the ordinance, and many establishments voluntarily have been smoke-free for quite a while.”

In addition to local businesses, not more than 10 percent of hotel and motel rooms can be designated smoking rooms. All smoking rooms must be on the same floor, adjacent to the other smoking rooms and require separate ventilation systems.

Any person or business violating the ordinance will be punishable by a fine of up to $500.

For more information about McKinney’s smoking ordinance, to view the ordinance, or to download a copy of the “No Smoking” sign, visit www.mckinneyinfo.com.

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