All About Irving
Irving Pursues Tree City USA Designation to Beautify City
The Parks and Building Maintenance Department is spearheading the city’s efforts to achieve national designation from the Texas Forest Service as a Tree City USA.
“Trees provide cleaner air, shadier streets and add to the aesthetic beauty of the community, and we’re excited to add the pursuit of the Tree City USA designation to the city’s list of initiatives that promote environmental sustainability,” said Chris Michalski, parks and building maintenance director. “Achieving this designation will demonstrate that Irving is a community that really cares about its environment.”
During the past year, through regular business operations, Irving exceeded the financial requirements to obtain the Tree City USA designation. In support of the Tree City USA initiative, the city hosted its first Arbor Day Celebration. In addition, the city will review its Tree Ordinance and propose to establish a new Tree Board comprised of community volunteers from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Keep Irving Beautiful and the Green Advisory Committee.
Nationwide, more than 3,000 cities participate in the Tree City USA program. Once Irving obtains its Tree City USA designation, annual observances, community forestry education programs and other initiatives that promote environmental sustainability will be ongoing to preserve the status.
Watch footage from the City of Irving’s Arbor Day Celebration on demand.
Winter Pet Care Tips
The Humane Society of the United States and Irving Animal Services urges pet owners to take precautions to safeguard pets against cold temperatures this winter.
- Wind chill can threaten a pet’s life. Outdoor dogs must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with a flap of heavy, waterproof fabric or heavy plastic.
- Outdoor pets need more food in the winter. Keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet’s water dish to make certain the water is fresh and not frozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet’s tongue can stick and freeze to metal.
- Warm car engines are dangerous for cats and small wildlife. Parked cars attract small animals that may crawl up under the hood looking for warmth. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car’s hood to scare them away before starting your engine.
- De-icing chemicals are hazardous. The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet’s feet. Wipe their feet with a damp towel after coming in from outdoors—even if you don’t see salt on walkways.
- Antifreeze is a deadly poison. However, it has a sweet taste that attracts animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze out of reach. Better yet, use antifreeze-coolant made with propylene glycol; if swallowed in small amounts, it will not hurt pets, wildlife or people.
- Tethering is unlawful in Irving. This winter, pet owners are reminded that keeping unattended dogs chained or tied to stakes or other stationary objects is prohibited. Call Animal Services at (972) 721-2256 for more information.
November 2009
Proper grease, oil disposal: The majority of sanitary sewer overflows are due to grease buildup from homes and apartments. Help prevent costly sewer overflows by following a few simple steps.
Do:
- Put oil and grease in collection containers.
- Remove oil and grease from kitchen utensils, equipment, food scrapers, towels and brooms.
- Keep grease out of wash water.
- Place food scraps in collection containers.
Do not:
- Pour oil and grease down drains.
- Wash fryers, griddles, pots, pans or plates with water until oil and grease are removed.
- Use hot water to rinse grease on surfaces.
- Put food scraps down the drain.
For more information, call Water Utilities at (972) 721-2281.
Recycle used cooking oil: The proper disposal of fryer oil is essential. Once the oil is cool, carefully pour or scrape the oil into a container no larger than 5 gallons and apply a tight-fitting, screw-top lid. Call (972) 721-2232 for pick up. Free plastic funnels are available to residents to pour oil back into containers. There is a limit of one per household. Call (972) 721-2772. The used fryer oil will be recycled into biodiesel, an American-made fuel that burns cleaner than petroleum diesel. Biodiesel also is safe, nontoxic and biodegradable. Every gallon of used fryer oil replaces a gallon of foreign crude oil. Frying oil accepted in the recycling effort includes vegetable, peanut, canola, sunflower and cottonseed oils. This does not include cooking grease such as lard or animal fats. For more information, call (972) 721-8059.
October 2009
Flu season tips: This year’s flu season is expected to be a busy one, and seasonal flu and H1N1 virus infections can spread quickly. The following actions can prevent the spread of the illness.
- Get a flu shot every year.
- Stay home with flu-like symptoms.
- Use an elbow to shield coughs and sneezes.
- Wash hands before touching eyes, nose or mouth.
- Don’t share personal items such as toothbrushes, drinking glasses or towels.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water and use hand sanitizer regularly.
For more information, visit www.cityofirving.org and select the “Flu Season Information” button on the left side of the home page.
August 2009
Telephone directory opt out: The Yellow Page Association and Association of Directory Publishers have created an opt out program, where customers can call the publisher, or visit www.yellowpagesoptout.com,, to opt out of receiving a phone book. To exercise the opt out option, AT&T/Yellow Pages customers may call (866) 329-7118 and press 1; Verizon/Idearc Media customers may call (800) 888-8448 and press 2. Callers should be prepared to provide a home phone number, name, e-mail address (for confirmation) and home address to the publisher’s customer service representative. The opt out offer is valid for three years; however, those who opt out may be contacted yearly to confirm.
Cell phone ban reminder: To help provide additional safety to children, the use of cell phones while driving in active Irving school zones is prohibited. The guidelines for the ban, which are enforced on school days during active school zone hours, prevent motorists from engaging in calls by talking, dialing or listening on a hand-held mobile telephone, and entering or reading text messages. This includes:
- Hand-held cell phones
- Personal digital assistants (PDAs)
- Pagers
- Other electronic communications devices
For more information, call the Police Department at (972) 721-2518 or visit www.cityofirving.org..
Resident survey: City services have experienced double-digit increases in customer satisfaction over the past two years, according to the 2009 resident survey results. The survey covered a wide range of topics including customer service, code enforcement, public safety and the city’s appearance. Survey results are used to set budget priorities and Strategic Plan initiatives to enhance services and improve the quality of life for residents. Details highlighting the results are available at www.cityofirving.org.
New West Irving Library: Expanded library services will be available to residents in west and central Irving as plans for a new standalone facility begin to take shape. Construction on the 25,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art library is set to begin this December. The building will be designed to be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certified. It will be equipped with panels that allow for the conversion of solar energy into electricity, and will include use of geo-thermal energy to heat and cool the building. Library features will include a computer lab and business center complete with WiFi access, and outdoor reading and activity areas. The future site of the library is a 6.5-acre site located on the corner of Rochelle and Esters roads near Northwest Park Recreation Center. The facility’s grand opening is scheduled for early 2011.
Ozone season awareness: Ozone season for the Dallas/Fort Worth area runs through October. Pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, refineries, chemical plants and other sources destroy the Earth’s ozone layer. Help save the ozone by using mass transit, observing the speed limit and traveling less. Learn more environment friendly tips at www.cityofirving.org/begreen.
Garage sale ordinance: Effective May 1, Irving residents conducting a garage sale without a permit will be subject to a citation. The requirement to obtain a permit is part of a city ordinance, Chapter 49, passed in October 2005, which also states that garage sales cannot exceed 72 consecutive hours, and that only two garage sales are permitted per address per calendar year. In addition, signs advertising garage sales may only be placed on public property from noon Friday to noon the following Monday. Garage sale permits are free of charge and can be obtained from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at City Hall, 825 W. Irving Blvd., in the Planning and Inspections Department. Save time by downloading an application online at www.cityofirving.org. For more information, call (972) 721-2371.
Mosquito preparedness: Irving residents are reminded to prepare themselves for mosquito season this summer. Residents can defend themselves against West Nile virus by following the “Four Ds.” They are:
- Dusk/Dawn – the times of day to stay indoors.
- Dress – wear long sleeves and long pants when outdoors during these times.
- DEET – an ingredient to look for when purchasing and using insect repellent.
- Drain – minimize outside standing water so it does not become a mosquito breeding site.
For more information, call (972) 721-3755.
Irving Convention Center
