Allen City Council met on Tuesday, April 12. Read on for the highlights and approved projects. The full agenda and meeting video is available here.
Bond issuance approved for $25.5M in improvements to City services
City Council approved a $25,521,00 bond issuance to be used for improvements to the City’s park system, transportation infrastructure, and library and fire services. These funds were authorized by Allen voters in the 2016 General Obligation Bond Election, which permitted the City to issue a $93,150,000 debt for the purpose of improving these services.
Specifically, the bonds are being sold for Fire Station 6 in the amount of $8,145,000; Phase 2 of the Allen Public Library expansion in the amount of $13,614,000; street projects in an amount of $762,000; and land acquisition in the amount of $3,000,000 by the Parks and Recreation Department, for a total issuance amount of $25,521,000.
The bond sale is planned so that the City's tax rate will not increase from its current rate of $0.47.
Allen Eagles Wresting Team honored for state championship win
With the leadership of Coach Jerry Best and coaching staff, Allen Eagles Wrestling Team won its second Girls’ and 13th Boys’ Texas 6A UIL State Championship, consecutively. In recognition of the team’s hard work, Mayor Fulk proclaimed 2022 as ‘Allen Eagles Wrestling Team Year.’
Allen recognizes Holy Month of Ramadan
Observed as the holiest month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is regarded as a time for spiritual reflection, increased awareness and bridging of differences between people over a shared commitment to faith. Muslims around the world observe the month by fasting each day from sunrise to sunset. Mayor Fulk recognizes April 2 to May 2, 2022, as the month of Ramadan in Allen.
Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and special recognition for Georgina Flores
In honor of the diligence and professionalism displayed by Allen’s public safety communicators, Mayor Fulk proclaimed April 10-16, 2022, as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. During the presentation, Communications Manager Shellie Taylor recognized Communications Technician Georgina Flores, who has received two Lifesaving Awards since 2018.
Georgina’s first award was for the lifesaving CPR instructions she gave to an Allen resident who experienced sudden cardiac death while performing yard work. Her second award was given after the Collin County Sheriff’s Office called to commend Georgina on the peer support she gave to a civilian. While driving home from work, Georgina spotted this person on a bridge and stayed with them, giving support until the Collin County Sheriff’s Office arrived.
Animal Shelter Advisory Board gives 2021 annual report
Allen Animal Shelter welcomed two new programs in 2021. At the facility’s first Open House, staff educated the community on responsible pet ownership and provided shelter animals some social time and physical activity. The shelter also participated in the Collin College Vet Tech Program, allowing students access to lab practice at the shelter while giving our pets more access to beneficial medical attention.
Community support in 2021 helped enhance facility services and comfort for animals in the shelter’s care. Local Eagle Scouts built new benches for the front entrance, expanded the existing play yard, and revamped the shelter’s crate corral. Monetary donations increased in 2021, totaling $29,370. These funds helped Allen Animal Services staff provide more rehabilitation to sick and injured animals in their care.
Animal Services staff provide round-the-clock support to animals in our community every day. In appreciation for their dedicated care and service, Mayor Ken Fulk proclaimed April 10-16, 2022, as Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week.
Council approves new coffee shop, Jackrabbit, as first location in Texas
Council approved a new coffee shop on a 2.5-acre property located on the southwest corner of Raintree Circle and Exchange Parkway. Formerly proposed as a convenience store with fuel sales, the site now is planned for a quick-serve coffee shop, Jackrabbit. The business will accommodate drive-up and drive-thru service and is the first location in Texas.
The site will retain the landscaping plans approved for the former convenience store, which was an appealing beautification element for the property development. These plans include plantings incorporated into the Hike and Bike Trail along Exchange and the pedestrian sidewalk along Raintree.
Keep Allen Beautiful Board gives annual report
In 2021, Keep Allen Beautiful (KAB) awarded its Marty and Lisa Brown Memorial Scholarship to two Allen High School students. This is the fifth year KAB has supported local youth with this scholarship, which is fully self funded. For its KAB activities in 2021, City of Allen received the Governor’s Community Achievement Award from Keep Texas Beautiful, in partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation. The City will receive a plaque along with $290,000 to support a community beautification project.
Mayor Fulk commemorated the hard work of the KAB team by proclaiming April 16, 2022, as Great American Cleanup Day. The Great American Cleanup, KAB’s annual recycling and disposal event, takes place Saturday, April 16, from 8 a.m. to noon.
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.