Allen City Council met on Tuesday, Feb. 8. The full agenda and meeting video is available here.
Council Approves Inclusive Improvements for Bethany Lakes Park
Allen City Council approved inclusive improvements for the play equipment at Bethany Lakes Park.
Recent movement within the playground industry has focused on all-inclusive and adaptive play amenities for individuals of all abilities. While all playgrounds in Allen comply with standards for use, these new improvements to Bethany Lakes Park will bring greater ease of accessibility to more Allen residents.
These improvements will be made by Whirlix Design, Inc. for a total amount of $220,501.
Design contract for Rowlett Creek Trail Extension moves forward
Allen continues the path towards a regional trail system after Councilmembers approved the $393,075 design contract for the northern section of the Rowlett Creek Trail Extension. The design cost will come from Community Development Corporation funds, a sales tax entity.
The Rowlett Creek Trail is a part of the Collin County Regional Trails Master Plan, designed to connect Allen, Plano, McKinney, Richardson, Frisco, and Garland. The north section project adds a new trail and closes trail gaps along the Rowlett Trail Corridor, between McDermott and Alma.
To learn more about other Allen Parks and Recreation projects, visit LifeinAllen.org/ParksProjects.
City of Allen and Allen Americans agree on new long-term lease
Credit Union of Texas Event Center will continue to be the home of the Allen Americans Professional Hockey Club after Councilmembers unanimously approved a new five-year license agreement. The Allen Americans will play professional hockey through the 2026-27 season.
“We’re glad that the community and visitors alike will continue to enjoy professional hockey at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center for years to come,” said City of Allen Mayor Ken Fulk. “The Allen Americans are a great asset to the city as a destination for sports and entertainment. As a home team, they have become an integral part of our community through the various charitable activities they support while giving us the opportunity to rally together with the #GoRed spirit; go Red!”
Read full news release here.
Council adopts planned development amendment
Councilmembers unanimously approved changes to site development requirements for Salad and Go, located at 2021 W. McDermott Drive. The PD Amendment specifically allows for a modified land use permitting restaurant drive-throughs without onsite seating. Coming soon to Allen, Salad and Go is a healthy drive-through and grab-and-go spot offering fresh salads and wraps at fast-food prices.
Council approves purchase of a new SWAT vehicle for Allen Police Department
Councilmembers approved the purchase of a new Lenco Bearcat Armored vehicle in the amount of $257,600. The vehicle will be used by Allen Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.
The new vehicle will replace the 2007 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle currently in the police fleet. Built for law enforcement operations and SWAT teams, the Lenco Bearcat is much more practical and has a less oppressive/overbearing stance than the MRAP when out in the community. The Lenco Bearcat is a larger vehicle, increasing rider capacity by two to four people with equipment.
City of Allen approves Meet and Confer agreement with Allen Firefighters Association
In 2019, Allen City Council voted on a petition to have the Allen Firefighters Association (AFA) recognized as the sole and exclusive bargaining agent for the members of Allen Fire Department. The petition authorized staff to proceed with the Meet and Confer process pursuant to Subchapter B, Chapter 142 of the Texas Local Government Code. City staff and AFA successfully reached an agreement related to Meet and Confer, summarized by these major points:
- The agreement takes effect immediately, except for items that cost money. Those items will be implemented mid-year if budget projections support the funding of those items. If budget projections do not support funding those items, they will be implemented on Oct. 1, 2022, pending budget approval by City Council.
- Existing pay strategy will remain with one exception: The annual market-based pay increase will go up by 2% to compete with other agencies
- Certain certification pay will increase from $50 per month to $75 per month
- Implementation of an “Educational Pay” program – Employees with certain degrees will be compensated an extra monthly stipend for those degrees.
- Inclusion of a "Holiday Buy Back" provision – An employee who works a holiday may take an alternative day off or be compensated extra for working the holiday.
Join Allen in Celebrating Engineering Employees
Mayor Fulk proclaimed February 20 – 26 as Professional Engineers Week and recognized members of Allen’s engineering department. From the roads we drive on to the systems that keep our water flowing, engineering work impacts nearly every aspect of our lives.
National Engineers Week is observed annually by the National Society of Professional Engineers. This year's theme is "Reimagining the Possible" and is dedicated to ensuring a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce by increasing understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers.
Follow council news and future meetings
Allen City Council meets at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month. Meetings are held in Council Chambers at Allen City Hall (305 Century Parkway). A calendar of upcoming meetings is available on the City website.
To receive a link to upcoming meetings by email, visit CityofAllen.org/NotifyMe and sign up for City Meeting Notices. Meeting agendas are posted at least 72 hours prior to each meeting. Agenda links are provided within the meeting details of each calendar listing and at CityofAllen.org/Agendas.