Real.Texas.Roads Webpage Created

The City created a new webpage to keep the public informed on the progress of the residential street repairs to be funded by the $125 million in tax bonds approved by voters last November. The first set of residential streets approved by the Mesquite City Council for repair were selected due to their poor condition, the close proximity to other streets in poor condition and the quality of existing utilities. A map and a list of the first set of streets is available on the new webpage. The City anticipates the street repairs to begin in early March. The repairs will also include sidewalk and curb repairs where needed. For more information, visit: www.cityofmesquite.com/RealTexasRoads.

Thomasson Square Public Meeting

The City of Mesquite will hold a Public Meeting regarding the Thomasson Square Project on Thursday, January 28, at 6:30 p.m. at Vanston Middle School, 3230 Karla Drive. The public is invited to attend. The Thomasson Square Project is a public-private revitalization effort of a three-block area located on Gus Thomasson, between Moon and Karla Drive, north of Interstate 30. It includes a mixture of retail and commercial properties as well as a park and surrounding neighborhoods. An online survey for public input is currently available until January 26. 

Police Chief Finalists Named

The City announced the four finalists for Police Chief position. The finalists are Charles Cato, current First Assistant Chief of Police for the City of Dallas; Keith Humphrey, current Chief of Police for the City of Norman, Oklahoma; Edward Ryan, current Assistant Chief of Police for the City of Norfolk, Virginia and Anthony Williams, current Chief of Police for the Broward County School District in Florida. A national search generated 26 applicants. An internal panel comprised of police and non-police personnel narrowed the search to the four finalists. Current Police Chief Derek Rohde announced his retirement in November effective January 31.

Aircheck Texas Drive a Clean Machine

Aircheck Texas Drive a Clean Machine Replacement Program is available to help vehicle owners follow emission standards by offering financial incentives to repair or replace vehicles that fail emissions testing. Vehicles must meet certain criteria to qualify for the program. Interested individuals may review the application criteria and apply for assistance through the North Texas Council of Governments by visiting its website at www.NCTCOG.org/airchecktexas. 

New Sidewalks at Beasley Park

Parks and Recreation crews are replacing the sidewalks at Beasley Park. These improvements are part of the Trail Renovation Program. 

Westlake Park Gets New Landscaping

Parks and Recreation crews will replace twelve Bradford Pear trees with Bald Cypress along the entrance to Westlake Park. The Bradford Pear tree species is susceptible to disease and broken limbs during high wind conditions. Approximately ten trees within the park have already been removed due to these conditions. Additional landscaping is planned for the park entrance. The project will take several weeks to complete and will be funded through the City's Tree Mitigation Fund. 

Rose Rosette Virus

The Parks and Recreation Department has identified Rose Rosette Virus on the Knockout Roses planted around City Hall. Crews will be spraying insecticide and cutting the plants back to try and prevent the disease from spreading. Residents who have Knockout Roses in their yards may wish to contact their local nursery to learn how to identify and treat the disease. 

New Irrigation System

The Parks and Recreation Department is in the final stages of the Smartline Irrigation controller conversion. This conversion will allow City staff to operate all irrigation controllers by mobile phone and office computer.  These controllers also automatically adjust station run times and watering days by using historical data. This technology allows the City to water more effectively and efficiently saving thousands of dollars per month in labor and water costs. 

New Trees on Pioneer and Lawson

The Parks and Recreation Department is currently replacing 113 trees in the East Cartwright Road medians between Pioneer Road and Lawson Road that have been lost due to drought over the last 3 years.  Tree species being planted are Bald Cypress, Live Oak, Shumard Oak, and Chiquapin Oak.

Trail Improvements

The Trail Improvements project in Paschall Park and Bruton have been hindered by the wet, winter weather resulting in unworkable conditions.With dry weather, the contractor expects completion by March. 

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.