What is ACTV?
ACTV is the City of Allen's government access cable channel. The channel is maintained by the Video Production Division of the Public and Media Relations Office located at City Hall, 305 Century Parkway.

What is the purpose of ACTV?
The channel's primary purpose is to provide information about the City of Allen to residents.

What kind of programming does ACTV offer?
The channel offers a variety of programming, including its award-winning monthly news magazine "Access Allen"; live and rebroadcasts of the City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission meetings; informational pieces on the City's budget and much more. A complete listing of program can be found on the channel's website - www.allentv.org.

Where can I find a program schedule?
Access the daily program schedule here. The schedule automatically updates whenever changes are made.

How do I receive ACTV at home?
ACTV is available on Time Warner Cable Channel 16 by subscribing to a Time Warner cable package that includes the basic, local cable channels.

Why can't I get ACTV on with my satellite package?
The City has researched this possibility and found that satellite companies will not carry ACTV on their systems.

Does the City of Allen maintain or have authority over the channels operated through Allen ISD or Collin County Community College?
No. Although the channels are part of the local PEG (Public, Educational, Government) cable channel lineup, the school district and the college maintain and program their own channels.

Why doesn't ACTV broadcast high school or college sports?
ACTV provides information on municipal service, projects and programs. Look to the AISD channel or CCCCD channel for school district events.

Can I submit a video to play on ACTV?
ACTV does not accept general information videos, however, if the information is specific to the City or one of its boards/commissions, the video will be accepted and reviewed. Please review the Video Production policy online before submitting a video. For more information, call 214.509.4151 or email to allentv@cityofallen.org.

If I can't put information on ACTV, is there a public access channel I can use?
No. Currently, there is no public access channel on the local cable service.

How can I get a copy of the City Council or Planning and Zoning Commission meetings?
You have two options:
1) Check out a videotaped copy of the meeting from the Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Drive. Meeting videos are stored for six months.
2) Supply an unopened VHS tape to the ACTV office with the with the following information: meeting date, your name, address and telephone number. Requests are generally filled within 24-48 hours.

Where do I submit a video?
Submissions can be given to the front reception desk at Allen City Hall, 305 Century Parkway, Allen TX 75013.

Are copies from other ACTV programs on available ?
Yes. Access Allen, the Short History of Allen and annual budget videos are also available for check-out from the Allen Public Library. Meeting coverage and other original programming segments also are available online through video on demand.

How do I contact ACTV with a question, comment or concern?
You can call 214.509.4151 or email to allentv@cityofallen.org.

I have been assigned court-ordered community work. Does the City offer such work?
The Parks and Recreation Department offers community work through trash removal from parks and public facilities. No appointment is necessary. Go to the Municipal Annex one hour prior to the shifts at 6:30 a.m. or 3:00 p.m., seven days a week. Work is canceled if it is raining. The center is located at One Butler Circle, behind City Hall.

Access the information sheet for more specific information about court-ordered community work.

Is the City of Allen working on getting DART rail service?
The City of Allen is extremely interested in moving rail transit further north in the US 75 corridor.  In 2005 the North Central Council of Governments studied the regional rail issue in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and the northern extension of DART in the US 75 corridor is the one with the largest ridership potential.

At this time we need to resolve three core issues to address the implementation of a regional rail plan for the Cities not within in the DART or Fort Worth T transit service areas.   The core issues include:

• Funding - DART requires the dedication of 1 cent of the sales tax dollars generated in the service area for local funding
• Governance – Determination of how the regional system will be integrated into existing systems
• Technical – Determination of the best mode of transportation through DART (light rail, commuter rail, or new technology)

The first step in resolving these issues is to work through the legislative process to provide for the creation of a regional system and to provide a funding mechanism. For funding, additional sales tax is proposed since many of the non DART cities (Allen included) are unable to allocate additional sales tax to be dedicated to transit.

The past legislative sessions have not provided a funding mechanism or governance mechanism to resolve the regional rail issues.  Consequently, there is no short term out look for the light rail system to be extended to Allen. 

Please contact our Director of Engineering John Baumgartner if you need additional information at 214.509.4577 or jbaumgartner@cityofallen.org.

What are the library hours?
How do I get a library card?
How old do you have to be to get a library card?
How long can I keep a book or video?
How much are overdue fees?
Can I check my account online?
Can I renew my books on the telephone?

Can I use another City's library card at the Allen library?
Only Plano library cards are accepted at the Allen library.

Can I return my Allen items in Plano?
Yes.

May I reserve a covered Picnic Pavilion?
Where do I get information about swimming classes?
How do I register my son/daughter for a youth athletic league?
Where is the Joe Farmer Recreation Center located?
Must I live in Allen to get a membership at the Joe Farmer Recreation Center?
What is included in my membership at the Joe Farmer Recreation Center?
May I bring a guest to the recreation center?
What types of programs are offered at Joe Farmer Recreation Center?
What are recreation center hours of operation?
What is the The Edge @ Allen Station Park?
I'm interested in participating in an adult athletic league.
Where is the Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium located?
What are your pool hours at the Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium?

Who do I contact to report needed parks/recreational facility repairs?
Email to rtownsend@cityofallen.org or call 214.509.4713.

How do I find out if my game has been canceled due to weather conditions?
Call the Field Condition Hot Line at 214.509.4809.

Can we bring floats to the Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium?
No, the only flotation device allowed is a Coast Guard Approved Flotation Device.

What age do you have to be to work out at the Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium?
Patrons 14-16 years of age must have an adult with them in the fitness room to workout. Patrons 17 years of age may work out by themselves without an adult.
To use the free-weight room, you must be 18 years of age or older. With all ages, you must have a membership to use the facilities fitness areas.

Does the Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium have a personal trainer on staff?
Yes, certified trainers on staff to assist you at no charge. However, should you wish one-on-one personal training, the cost is $35 per hour.

How tall do you have to be to use the leisure slide at the Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium?
You must be at least 48" tall.

Does the play structure at the Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium have a height limit?
Yes, you cannot be more than 54" tall to use the play structure. Parents are welcome to assist the little ones on the structure.

How old do you have to be to swim by yourself at the Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium?
You have to be at least 10 years old to be in the building by yourself. Children 7-9 years of age can have an adult (18+yrs) in the building and still swim. Children 6 years and under must have an adult in the water with them. We have a limit of ratio of 1 adult to 3 youngsters under the age of 6 as a safety requirement.

Do you have a family membership at the Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium?
Yes, we have a discount if you sign up three people in your family at one time. This only applies at the time you sign up. Family members cannot be added at a later time and receive the discount. The membership fee will never exceed $550.

What home construction requires a permit?

Do I have to have a permit to remove a tree in my yard?
No

Do I have to register my alarm?
Yes. Alarm registration is handled by a third party vendor contracted by the City. Register you alarm system online.

What is a School Resource Officer (SRO)?

How can I get a copy of a police report/accident report?
Contact the Records Unit between the hours of 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Accident reports are $6 per report. Offense reports are $.10 per page.

How do I file a complaint on a Police Department employee?
Contact the Internal Affairs Unit at 214.509.4209 during regular business hours or, after hours, contact the supervisor on duty at 214.509.4322.

How do I report a traffic concern?
If the concern is a violation in progress, call 214.509.4322. To report a reoccurring problem, such as speeding on a street, call the Patrol Division at 214.509.4286.

How do I get my property, such as a stolen bicycle, returned?
First, find out if the department's Property Unit has the property in custody by called 214.509.4263. If the unit has the property, you must make an appointment to pick up the property. Appointments are schedule during regular business hours and a picture ID must be presented.

Does the Police Department do fingerprints for the public?
Yes. There is a fee of $10.

How do I get information on the Citizens Police Academy?
Contact Community Relations Unit at 214.509.4362.

What ways can I pay my utility bill?
Does the City have after-hours utility bill drop boxes?
Yes. One is in the parking lot of City Hall, next to the handicap parking space, and the other is on Allen Drive, behind City Hall and next to the Police Department.

How do I check to see if I am registered to vote in Allen?
Where do I vote on Election Day?

How do I register to vote?
Voter registration applications are available at City Hall and the Allen Public Library. You can also download an application on the Collin County website. If you are a new resident, you may apply for your voter registration when you apply for your Texas driver's license.