Main Street and clock tower, text reads Friday at 5 a weekly update from City Hall
February 18, 2022

  News You Can Use...                        

Image of a African American man being wrapped up in a quilt.



Rowlett Veterans Recognition Program Honors Larry Traylor - Our 21st Rowlett Vet!

Image of 4 people- Larry Traylor Holding  his quilt next to Mayor Tammy and his wife.

At this week’s City Council Meeting, US Air Force veteran Senior Master Sergeant Larry Traylor was honored and recognized as our 21st Rowlett Vet. Mr. Traylor entered into active service in February 1968 and served his country for 23 years. After rigorous training in aircraft, jet engine, flight control systems and technical systems, SMSGT. Traylor worked on the T-37 Tweet, T-38 Talon, F-15 Eagle and F-111 Aardvark. His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Commendation Medal, Achievement Medal, Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and many, many more! In his retirement years, Mr. Traylor has served in the ministry with Church in the City.
 
Mr. Traylor was also gifted a beautiful hand-stitched quilt from the Quilts of Valor organization (https://www.qovf.org/).
 
Mayor Dana-Bashian, along with the Veterans Resource and Outreach Center and in collaboration with Third Watch Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club (LE MC) – a brotherhood of police, firefighters and military, both current and honorably retired, who share the common goal of assisting and recognizing veterans - instituted the Rowlett Veterans Recognition Program to show appreciation to those members in our community who have dedicated their time in service to our nation. This program also helps bring awareness to veterans’ issues – what is being done in our community and what is still needed. Assisting with the selection of honorees is the Veterans Resource and Outreach Center (VROC), which functions under the Life Message umbrella of services. Included as members are representatives from Third Watch and the Disabled American Veterans.
 
We hope you will join us as we welcome Larry Traylor into the ranks of our Rowlett Vets!

Image of 4 Women, 3 from the Rowlett Diversity Equity & Inclusion Commission and Mayor Tammy.

People of Color, People of Change Week

Celebrated by Proclamation at this week’s City Council meeting as part of Black History Month, the Proclamation brought forth by the Rowlett Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission reads in part: 

“This week recognizes the accomplishments that push the boulder of separation, inequality, and unfairness closer to the side of justice and equity, and the proclamation celebrates the success of many, including:

  • Yolanda Renee King, age 13 and granddaughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., calls for "work and action" to continue what her grandfather started. She is speaking out on the importance of voting rights, admonishing younger generations to get involved in the fight. 
  • The US Mint has begun distribution of new quarters featuring legendary Poet and Civil Rights Activist Maya Angelou. 
  • In June 2021, Aretha Duarte of Brazil became the first-ever Black Latin American woman to climb Mount Everest. 
  • On January 3, 2022, Preet Chandi, a British-born Sikh army officer, became the first woman of color to complete a solo expedition to the South Pole.
  • New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a former police captain, is the second African-American in the city's history to be elected Mayor.
  • Locally, the recent appointment of Rosalind Jeffers as Associate Judge of Rowlett Municipal Court is a significant milestone.

The African American story is ongoing and interwoven with America’s story. Throughout history there are numerous shining examples of resiliency and determination. As Rowlett's elected leadership reflects the diverse community they serve, we all benefit from multicultural contributions of skills, talents, thoughts, and ideas that will lead us closer to being genuinely united.”

Photo of Mayor Tammy and Brian Wilburn in front of City Council.
Photo of City Secretary Laura Hallmark and Mayor Tammy holding a pickle ball paddle in front of City Council.
Photo of Mayor Tammy and City Manager Brian Funderburk holding a framed certificate.

Reception Honoring Mayor Tammy Dana-Bashian 

Also at this week’s City Council Meeting, we celebrated the service of retiring Mayor Tammy Dana-Bashian. Thank you to ALL who came out to honor her and wish her well as she embarks on this new chapter. We will MISS you, Tammy!!

Image of a sign in front of the Annex Building reading " Vote Here Dallas County"

Primary Election Early Voting is Underway

If you’re a registered voter in Dallas County, you can vote at the Rowlett City Hall Annex building (4004 Main Street) or at any vote center within the county. If you’re a registered voter in Rockwall County, you can vote at any Rockwall County vote center.
 
Early voting continues through February 25.
Saturday, February 19 from 7am-7pm
Sunday, February 20 from 12pm-6pm
Monday, February 21 closed for Presidents Day
Tuesday, February 22- Friday, February 25 from 7am-7pm
 
Election Day is Tuesday, March 1 from 7am-7pm
->Dallas County voting information
->Rockwall County voting information

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is providing free transportation to polling locations on the day of the Texas primary elections, Tuesday, March 1, 2022.
Learn more at dart.org/vote.

Human Resources News              

Photo of a chocolate chip cookie with a valentine message.

CookieGram Fundraiser for the Rowlett Public Library

The City of Rowlett Human Resources Department hosted a very successful 6th Annual CookieGram Fundraiser. City staff recognize fellow employees for their friendship, contributions to the organization, or as a thank you for assistance throughout the year by purchasing CookieGrams for each other. Human Resources staff are a welcome sight as they fan out across City facilities and buildings on Valentine’s Day delivering the yummy treats from Rowlett’s own Winfield Cookies & More.

This year’s fundraiser generated over $700 in donations to support all of the great programming offered by the Rowlett Public Library!

Are you interested in joining the City of Rowlett team? Check out our career opportunities! 

Fire Department News                    

Photo of a little boy in a fire fighters outfit in front of a fire hydrant.
Photo of a little boy in a fire fighters outfit in front fire fighter with a gas mask on.
Photo of a little boy in a fire fighters outfit in front of a fire truck

Station 3 had a special guest come by for a station tour this week!  One of Captain McWhorter’s church members brought their son to see the fire engine...something he has never seen but always wanted to.  As you can see, everyone had a great time!  Thanks for your visit!   

Economic Development News        

Graphic Image with a white car in front of a office building.

Lakeview Business District Info Meetings

JacksonShaw is inviting the Rowlett community to attend an informative and open discussion of Lakeview Business District. Lakeview Business District is a master-planned business park along President George Bush Turnpike. The district will help address the needs of the growing e-commerce, technology, R&D, logistics and supply chain sectors within Rowlett and surrounding areas. 
 
March 1 -  History of Northshore
March 8
March 22
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Rowlett Community Centre
5300 Main St, Rowlett, TX 75088
 
The website for Lakeview Business District, www.lbdrowlett.com, will be launching late February.

 Library News                                   

Image of a snake




Animal Superheroes 

Image of a frog

Last Saturday at the Library, families discovered the superpowers of hedgehogs, tortoises, walking sticks, frogs, chinchillas, and a legless lizards (yep, they’re a thing and they’re not snakes).  More info about fun programs at the Library here… 

Graphic image with coffee beans with text reading "Rowlett Public Library Coffee Tasting"



Coffee Tasting

Saturday, February 19 @ 3pm
Sample coffees from around the globe.

Graphic image of a type writer with text reading " Rowlett Arts & Humanities Writing Contest."

Arts & Humanities Commission Annual Writing Contest – Deadline for Entries is February 28!

The Annual Writing Contest is open to all Dallas and Rockwall county residents with an interest in writing. Prizes will be awarded!
Divisions: Ages 10-17 AND 18+
Application and more info here… 


   Parks & Recreation News             

image of a couple wearing valentines day shirts.



Seniors Valentine’s Day Party

Robert and Loray Montgomery enjoyed the Seniors Valentine’s Day party!

Graphic image with two baseball bats and a baseball reading " Youth Baseball, Registration now open!"

Spring Youth Sports Leagues Registration Info

Youth Baseball and Youth Volleyball Spring League registrations are NOW OPEN!  Be sure to get your kids ready to go for all the spring sports. Register by calling 972-412-6170 or online  here. 

Graphic image with a volleyball with text reading " Youth Volleyball Registration now open"

Engineering Department News         

Graphic image of a map with text reading " Project Limits, Existing Condition and Proposed Improvements."

Lakeland Heights Reconstruction Project Public Meetings

This week, Engineering held a series of public meetings to discuss daily impacts on residents and public services from the reconstruction of the street, sidewalk, storm sewer, water and sanitary sewer improvements serving the Lakeland Heights neighborhood.
 
So, if you live on Kyle Road, Lisa Drive, Smartt Street, Patricia Lane, Sandra Lane, or Leanne Street and were unable to attend, head on over to the City of Rowlett Public Works Facebook page to watch the meeting! 

Image of trail construction.


Lake Highland Trail Update 

Signage and pedestrian handrail installation continued this week.


Image of a construction man and machine working on a hand rail for a trail.
Two construction workers worker on a sewer line.

SH66 East Sanitary Sewer Line Phase 1 Update 

ANA Site Construction has replaced two of 13 manholes and removed and replaced 156 linear feet of 30” pipe. Depending on the weather, the contractor expects to complete the work around Shipp Road next week!  

Photo of two construction workers in a pit working on a sewer line .
Photo of construction in a alleyway

Lakeshore/
Windridge Alley Reconstruction 

Aushill Construction removed the remaining alley pavement and began cutting it to grade and placing flex base.

Photo of construction in a alleyway

  Next Week's City Meetings             


City Council

Regular meetings occur the first and third Tuesdays of every month. The next meeting is scheduled for:
March 1 @ 7:00pm (Work Session tdb - check agenda once posted)
Watch meetings live on RTN16 (cable channel 16) or online...
More info...


Boards and Commissions 

Senior Advisory Board Meeting- February 21 @ 10:00 am
Rowlett Youth Advisory Council- February 21 @ 6:30 pm
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting- February 22 @ 6:30 pm
Agendas and Meeting Minutes 
Meeting Calendar

Rowlett, Texas

The Rowlett Action Center

Your one-stop-shop for assistance!

Call 972.412.6100 for in-person help. 

Submit a request or ask a question here...

Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share via Email

Copyright © 2018 City of Rowlett, Texas. All Rights Reserved.
4000 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088

Powered by
CivicSend - A product of CivicPlus