December 11, 2015

Christmas in the Park

The City held the 29th annual Christmas in the Park last weekend at Westlake Park. Throughout the three-day event, over 15,000 guests enjoyed a yule log with s'mores, kids activity area, pictures with Santa and more. Despite a short disruption by some unruly teenagers late on the last day of the event, the event was an overall success. City staff will make the appropriate adjustments in its planning for the 30th anniversary of Christmas in the Park next year.
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Animal Services Task Force Meets

The Animal Services Strategic Plan Task Force met this week and finalized the Animal Services mission, vision and goals. The draft Strategic Plan is being compiled and the Task Force will approve the draft in January 2016, with hopes of presenting to the City Council at its February 1 meeting. The plan presented to Council will include the results from the electronic survey from the fall of 2015, and all of the Task Force’s recommendations.

City Council invites youth groups to lead Pledge of Allegiance

The City Council is actively seeking youth groups to lead the Pledge of Allegiance at their meetings. The meetings are the first and third Monday each month beginning at 7 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance is at the start of each meeting, so youth groups would be finished by 7:10 pm and could exit the meeting. The Council invites organized groups such as sports teams, boy scouts and clubs to volunteer. Parents are encouraged to get the neighborhood kids together and sign up to do a meeting. For register a youth group, please all the City Secretary at 972-216-6244.

Helping Others in Mesquite Everyday Program

The Mesquite City Council has authorized a partnership with Keep Mesquite Beautiful, Inc. to create the Helping Others in Mesquite Everyday (HOME) program to assist Mesquite home owners with hardships needing minor home repairs and maintenance. HOME embraces the spirit of the highly successful Addressing Mesquite Day on a continuous basis. Mesquite homeowners will receive aid through the HOME program based upon eligibility requirements and staff referrals from the City of Mesquite Code Enforcement Department. The Rotary Club of Mesquite presented a $2,500 donation at the December 7 City Council meeting to help kickoff the HOME program.

Monthly Sales Tax Report

The State Comptroller’s Office reported a two percent decline in December sales tax revenue for the City of Mesquite. December’s report is based on sales reported by local businesses during the month of October. The decline in monthly sales tax was no surprise as the City’s revenue forecast projects a total decrease in sales tax of 1.5 percent for the coming year. Last year, the City collected a record high of $30.9 million in sales tax, which represents 30 percent of the City’s total annual revenue.

Eastfield Soccer Complex Sod Replacement

The Parks and Recreation Department is finalizing the turfgrass renovation at Eastfield Soccer Complex. The renovation of the high-use facility began in July. During the renovation, 500 tons of sand and 50,000 square-feet of Bermuda grass were installed. The sand helps improve drainage and levels the field over time providing a safe playing surface.

Parks Working to Reduce Trip Hazards

The Parks and Recreation Department started replacing broken trails and cart paths at numerous locations throughout park system and golf course. The Department also recently completed trip hazard removal on trails at several locations through a grinding procedure that takes less time and less funding.

Holiday Traffic Assistance

The Traffic Engineering Division continuously monitors traffic conditions throughout the city. During the Holiday season, staff makes special adjustments to signal timing and places message boards in key locations to help the flow of traffic during the peak shopping season and make it easier for everyone to shop in Mesquite.

Holiday Trash Schedule

The Solid Waste Division developed new online resources this year to help residents stay informed on the holiday trash collection schedule. Residents can visit the City’s website or download the mobile app to get specific information on trash disposal, collection and schedules for their address.

To view the page, visit: http://www.cityofmesquite.com/263/Holiday-Schedule

Mesquite Police Academy Alumni Association

The Mesquite Police Academy Alumni Association (MPAAA) was honored at a banquet last night. The MPAAA has donated over 2,000 hours of service to the Mesquite community.

Contact Your City

Let us hear from you. If you have a concern or are experiencing an issue, please contact the City at (972) 288-7711 or visit the City's website at www.cityofmesquite.com/questions.