Double Oak - Friday Update (04/26/2024)
Double Oak Women's Club Casino Night – Tomorrow Night, April 27th, 2024
The annual DOWC Casino Night will be held on April 27, 2024. Tickets are now available for $40 per person, and sponsoring a table game costs $125.00.
Please get your tickets early, as we have limited availability.
Contact: Jane Sayres – jane@sunnydarden.com
Or
Allison Hulchanski –ahulchan13@gmail.com
Officer Summer Housmans Leaving the Double Oak Police Department
Officer Summer Housmans will be moving on to her next role in law enforcement. She made a positive impact during her time at Double Oak and is now seeking new challenges and opportunities for advancement in her career. “Economics did not play a factor in her decision to leave Double Oak,” said Chief Ruben Rivas.
Chief Rivas has already posted for a replacement and, because we are competitive with our pay, believes a qualified replacement will be found soon.
I would like to Thank Officer Housmans for her dedication to Double Oak and our citizens during her time here. It's always important to recognize and appreciate the contributions of team members, especially when they are moving on to new roles or opportunities.
Town Council Approves an Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances to Create the Office of Town Administrator.
Eileen Kennedy's retirement provided an opportune moment for the town council to reassess the structure of local governance and make adjustments to better address the evolving needs of the community. The decision to create the office of town administrator reflects a proactive approach to enhancing administrative efficiency and effectiveness.
The need for a town administrator reflects a recognition of the increasing complexity of local government operations and the need for specialized skills to effectively manage them. By amending the Code of Ordinance, the town council is establishing a framework for this new position, giving it the authority to appoint and oversee the town employees.
The role of the town administrator is likely to involve a broader scope of responsibilities compared to those traditionally handled by the town secretary. While the town secretary may have focused primarily on administrative tasks, such as record-keeping and clerical duties, the town administrator will likely be tasked with more strategic and managerial functions, such as overseeing day-to-day operations, implementing policies set by the council, and managing town staff.
This shift underscores the evolving demands placed on local governments and the need for professionals with the expertise to navigate increasingly complex challenges and opportunities. The establishment of the town administrator position demonstrates a proactive approach by the council to adapt to these changes and ensure effective governance for the community. The town administrator's role is more encompassing with authority. For example, both public works and our police chiefs will now role to the town administrator vs. to the Mayor.’
The town is taking a thorough and proactive approach to the selection process for the town administrator position. Posting the job on the Texas Municipal League (TML) website and other job boards will help attract a diverse pool of qualified candidates.
Involving key stakeholders such as the Mayor, town council members, Lynn Jones, and the Chief of Police in the selection process ensures that various perspectives and needs are considered when evaluating candidates. This collaborative approach can help identify the most suitable candidate who aligns with the town's vision and objectives.
Setting a target timeline for hiring by July or August demonstrates a sense of urgency while allowing enough time for thorough candidate assessment. However, remaining flexible to expedite the process if the right candidate emerges earlier is a wise approach, ensuring that the town can secure top talent efficiently.
By conducting proper due diligence and involving relevant stakeholders, the town can increase the likelihood of finding a qualified and effective town administrator who will contribute to the continued success and growth of the community.
Double Oak Road and Drainage Survey – Please Participate
The TRIPP 2022 bond election included a possible Kings Road project as part of the bond package.
While we do not know when the county will have money available for the project, the Council would like to start collecting feedback from residents so that the town is ready and has a plan when Denton County has funding for the project.
This survey is the first step in hearing from you – it will not be the last step.
Below is the URL and QR code for the survey if you want to take it electronically, or it can be found on the town website to download, fill out, and return to town hall.
If you prefer, printed copies will also be available at the town hall for you to fill out there.
https://form.jotform.com/240943363293055
50th Birthday Update
Plans continue to take shape for the Town's 50th Birthday Party on May 18, 2024.
Vendor Spaces Available
If you are a small business owner, artist, or crafter who would like to showcase and sell your wares during the birthday celebration, you can rent a 10’ x 10’ booth space to promote your products. We will provide the space you need to provide your canopy, tables, chairs, and whatever you need for your display.
- Rental fee: $ 50
- Time: Noon to 5 p.m.
- To learn more or to get a rental space agreement, contact Bonnie Morrow (bonnie4asl@outlook.com)
Volunteers Needed
On the day of the celebration, we will need volunteers to help with set up, carnival games, concessions, the museum, and clean-up. If you volunteer for at least one two-hour time slot, you will receive a 50th Birthday volunteer T-shirt as a thank you. To get the right size t-shirt, you must have signed up by Monday, April 29th, as t-shirt orders must be placed that Tuesday to arrive on time for the event.
Click the link below to sign up for the job of your choice at a time that works for you.
Double Oak 50th Birthday Volunteer Sign-Up Sheet
The Last Day to Drop off Memorabilia for the 50th Town Museum will be Wednesday, May 1st, at 4 p.m.
If you still have memories to share, please drop them by.
50th Birthday Meeting Notes – No Meetings were held last week
Saturday, May 4, 2024, General Election for the Town of Double Oak - UPDATE
Early voting for the May 4, 2024, General Election will begin April 22, 2024, through April 30, 2024. Town Hall will be an early voting site.
Saturday, May 4, 2024, is the General Election for Double Oak.
Established Voting Hours are as follows:
April 22 - 27 Monday - Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
April 28 Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
April 29 – 30 Monday - Tuesday 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
May 4 Saturday – Election Day 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
In Double Oak, terms expiring are as follows:
2-Year Term:
- Council Member - Jean Hillyer (Incumbent)
1-Year Term:
- Council Member - Mark Dieterich (Incumbent)
- Council Member - Khourschid Favero Dr. "K" (Incumbent)
Double Oak Candidates running for these seats are as follows and in order as they will appear on the ballot in May.
- Jaquelyne Barrow
- Janet Robertson
- Khourschid Favero – a/k/a Dr. K (i)
- Mark Dieterich (i)
- Ginger Brittain
- Jean Hillyer (i)
- means incumbent
Double Oak Police Speed Tracker Trailer Statistics
2023 Annual SLFRF Report Completed/Submitted by Double Oak Town Administration
The town council has been diligently managing the town's allocation of State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) and ensuring that they are used effectively for the community's benefit.
With $761,709.71 awarded in 2022 and $469,735.19 already utilized, the town has made significant progress in leveraging these funds. In 2023 the investments in the sound system upgrades for the park pavilion and the drainage study demonstrate a commitment to enhancing infrastructure and community amenities.
As of now, there's an outstanding balance of $275K, earmarked for stormwater drainage and road improvements. It's crucial to adhere to the timeline for obligating and exhausting these funds, with obligations required by the end of 2024 and full expenditure by the end of 2026.
Continued careful planning and strategic allocation of these funds will undoubtedly contribute to the overall betterment of the town and its citizens.
Reminders
Upper Trinity Regional Water District is implementing a mandatory two-day-per-week watering schedule for residents in its service area.
According to a UTRWD news release, the new watering schedule is in place to reduce water usage, particularly in the summer months, and to help protect the water treatment infrastructure for the fast-growing region while saving residents money on water bills. It’s best for residents to water after 6 p.m. and before 10 a.m. Watering plants and flower/garden beds by hand as needed is allowed.
To incentivize residents, Upper Trinity is rolling out a “Pledge 2 Water No More than Two Days a Week” campaign. Qualified residents will receive free swag and be entered into weekly drawings for a free irrigation evaluation valued at $125. Additionally, in October, three grand prize winners will be randomly selected to receive both a free professional landscape consultation and a $500 gift card for plants to Rooted In, a local nursery and garden center.
Residents are encouraged to check with their local water utility to learn more about the guidelines they have in place. Some cities and utilities are providing customers with specific watering days.
To find more information, visit: https://waterlessyall.com/
Cross Timbers Water Regarding Stage 2 Water Restrictions
CTWS is in Stage 2-Yellow.
STAGE 2: YELLOW ODD/EVEN DAYS
1) Odd/Even Outside Watering by Last Digit of Address
a) The odd-numbered last digits of the address will be watered on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
b) Even numbered last digits of the address will water on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
2) Permitted Activities
a) Trees, gardens, and shrubs can be watered daily if a hand-held hose, drip irrigation, or soaker hose is used.
b) New pool filling must be scheduled, and three (3) days written notice must be given to Cross Timbers Water Supply Corporation’s office date. A time will be determined and assigned.
c) Lawns that have just been seeded, sodded, or mulched can be mechanically watered daily for a maximum of two (2) weeks after application
d) Avoid watering during the following hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
https://www.crosstimberswater.com
Save these 2024 dates for Double Oak's 50th birthday celebration!
May 4, 2024, Auto Show and Movie Night
May 18, 2024, 50th Birthday celebration with historical museum displays, birthday cake, food trucks, band, dancing, photo booths, contests, a ceremony to honor prior town officials, and many more fun events!
Do you have photos or memorabilia from the past 50 years that you can share with our 50th birthday committee? We plan to create a mini museum to display Double Oak's progress over the past 50 years, so please get in touch with us to arrange to collect or scan your documents/photos, etc.
Learn more about these details via the link on the town website Town's 50th Birthday Committee | Double Oak, TX (texas.gov)
We wish everyone a safe and wonderful weekend.
Double Oak Town Administration