Road Closure Notice – Murphy Drive to Park Place WB Service Road
Beginning on June 18 through June 21, the west bound service road from Murphy Drive to Park Place will be closed each evening beginning at 7:00 p.m., rather than 9:00 p.m., and will re-open at 5:00 a.m. This closure is necessary for AT&T work in a manhole on the service road. The change to the early time frame will allow completion this week.
Upcoming Traffic Change to Sh 121 Exit
There will be an upcoming traffic switch scheduled for next Friday, June 21. This switch will temporarily cause northbound access to SH 121 from eastbound SH 183 to be a left-hand exit. This change is expected to last 4-5 months, through November. This switch will allow work to be completed on the final structure in that area.
There is an attached a map to help illustrate this change.
Bedford Splash Flick & Float
A great way to spend a hot summer night! Enjoy a movie at the pool with your family.
The City of Bedford under the guidance of the Tarrant Regional Water District and has implemented Stage 1 of the Drought Plan beginning on Monday, June 3, 2013. The following is in addition to the ordinance that restricts watering between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. Please be mindful that the restrictions will be strictly enforced. For more information contact the Environmental Specialist, Rick Garnett, at 817-952-2258 or the Public Works Department at 817-952-2200. Thank you for your part in water conservation!
Watering Days:
Residential addresses ending in an even number (0, 2, 4, 6, or 8) may water on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Residential addresses ending in an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7, or 9) may water on Thursdays and Sundays.
All non-residential locations (apartment complexes, businesses, industries, parks, medians, etc.) may water on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Exceptions:
Foundations may be watered up to two hours on any day using a handheld hose, soaker hose or drip irrigation system placed within 24 inches of the foundation that does not produce a spray of water above the ground.
Newly installed shrubs (first year) and trees (two years) may be watered up to two hours on any day by handheld hose, drip irrigation, a soaker hose or tree bubbler. Tree watering is limited to an area not to exceed the drip line of a tree.
Skinned areas of sports fields may be watered as needed for dust control.
For more information, please read a full list of restrictions.
Twilight Thursdays: Outdoor Concert Series
A FREE concert series brought to you by Arts Council Northeast and the City of Bedford. 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at the Old Bedford School, 2400 School Lane (on the front lawn).
Whether you like Rock & Roll, Jazz, Motown, Oldies or Rhythm & Blues "Twilight Thursdays" has a concert for you, thanks to a free eclectic concert series staged by the City of Bedford.
The City of Bedford works closely with the Tarrant County Public Health Department in a county wide mosquito surveillance program. The participating cities set out mosquito traps for collection. Once collected the samples go to the health department’s laboratory for testing of West Nile Virus and St. Louis Encephalitis. Each week five mosquito traps are set within our city limits.
CodeRED The City of Bedford has a new emergency and mass notification provider. The City has transitioned from DeltAlert to the industry-leading, high-speed mass notification system, CodeRED®.
Tornado Information Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms. Spawned from powerful thunderstorms, tornadoes can cause fatalities and devastate a neighborhood in seconds. A tornado appears as a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground with whirling winds that can reach 300 miles per hour. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. Every state is at some risk from this hazard.
What to do Before a Tornado:
Be alert to changing weather conditions.
Listen to NOAA All Hazard (Weather) Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information. Look for approaching storms look for the following danger signs: Dark often greenish sky. large hail, a large dark low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating), a loud roar similar to a freight train. If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.
What to Do During a Tornado:
If you are under a tornado WARNING, seek shelter immediately!
IF YOU ARE IN A STRUCTURE (e.g. residence, small building, school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building), THEN, go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.
IF YOU ARE IN A VEHICLE, TRAILER, OR MOBILE HOME, then get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes.
IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE with no shelter, THEN, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location. Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter. Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.
Crud Day, September 21 (8 a.m. - 11 a.m.) at Meadow Park Athletic Complex. Bedford residents are provided the opportunity to safely dispose of their hazardous waste materials.
Paper Shred Event, October 12 (8 a.m. until Noon) at the Boys Ranch Park. Bedford residents can have their old documents securely shredded.
Ark Contracting Services will begin work on July 1, 2013 on $557,302 worth of sanitary sewer line improvements on or near Shirley Way Drive and Briar Drive along the Sulphur Branch tributary. This project will include replacing 2,234 linear feet of sewer pipe utilizing pipe bursting technologies, plus rehabilitating six existing manholes. Funding for this sewer improvement project is from a low interest loan from the Texas Water Development Board. The contract requires the work to be substantially complete in sixty calendar days, with final completion in 120 days. Construction activities will be Monday through Friday from 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Please call 817-952-2200 with questions about this sewer line project or any other Public Works improvements projects.
Fire Station Number 3 Paving Improvements
Ziegler Construction, Inc. was awarded a contract in the amount of $19,800 to replace sections of the driveway at Fire Station Number 3 located at 541 Bedford Road. The existing driveway was shown to have significant base failure. The contract calls for the removing 2,180 square feet of 6” concrete pavement and replacing it with a more substantial 8” reinforced concrete pavement. Funds for the project are from the FY 12/13 General Fund Budget. Work will begin on Monday June 17, 2013 and will be completed in 30 calendar days. During the construction there will no parking along Somerset Terrace from Bedford Road to Gold Hawk due to the Fire Department trucks coming and going from their entrance on Somerset Terrace. Please call us 817-952-2200 for questions about this project or any other Public Works improvement projects.
Share With Us Your
Photos and
Memories
In celebrating the City of Bedford’s 60 years of incorporation, we are looking back to the people and places that make Bedford a great city.
The City of Bedford is seeking photographs from all decades of Bedford. If you would like to participate in *Bedford’s Heritage Photo Exposé that will be showcased in the Galleries of the Old Bedford School, on Thursday, June 27 at 7 p.m., please email your photographs, along with your name, email, contact number and a brief summary of the photo(s) to web.bedford@gmail.com. If there are original photos that you would like scanned and returned please contact Rebecca Asher at 817-952-2126 to make an appointment.
*Note: The City of Bedford would still like to use your photographs for future publications and events. If you have any great photographs of Bedford, but are not able to share them before the Heritage Photo Exposé deadline, the City still encourages you to submit them.
The H-E-B Teen Court Department Partners With Papa John's Pizza to Help Raise Money for the Teen Court Volunteer Scholarship Program
Volunteering for Teen Court is fun and a great way to serve your community. Teen and adult volunteers work together to provide defendants the opportunity to take responsibility for their actions, while learning about the justice system. Teen Court Volunteers learn public speaking skills, interviewing techniques and administrative skills. Volunteers’ service hours can be used to fulfill requirements for programs such as National Honor Society or International Baccalaureate. Seniors who are graduating are eligible for a chance to receive a Teen Court Scholarship. In the last two years, five Teen Court Volunteers received a total of $3,750 dollars towards their college education.
If you use this coupon on the first and third Thursday of each month at the Papa John's location at 3101 Harwood Road, they will donate 20% of the sale to the HEB Teen Court Scholarship Program.
New Donation Options Available
The City of Bedford is accepting donations through PayPal and donating to the City service of your choice is now easier than ever. It is not necessary to have a PayPal account, simply select one of four City services to donate:
Parks
Animal Shelter
Dog Park
Public Library
Enter in the donation amount and then click submit; all major credit and debit cards are accepted. Your donation is appreciated and enhances the fund-raising efforts of each group.
Select here for more information and to make a donation.
Trash Rate Changes
Allied Waste Services of Fort Worth, LLC was granted a five year extension by City Council and will renew on January, 2014. Allied has been the City’s waste service provider for the last ten years and a long-time supporter of the City by assisting in trash collection at large City events. There have been several years without an increase and due to rising fuel and disposal rates, there will be a 3.7 percent increase this May, again in May 2015, and May 2017 for a total of $1.06 over the next six years.
Solid Waste Collection
Current Residential/Senior Rate: $7.15
May 2013: $7.42
May 2015: $7.70
May 2017: $7.98
Recycle Collection
Current: $1.96
Current Senior: $1.43
May 2013: $2.03
$1.48
May 2015: $2.11
$1.54
May 2017: $2.19
$1.60
Allied Waste Services of Fort Worth, LLC is a part of Republic Services which is one of the largest waste and recycling companies in the United States. “Republic Services has a long and proud history of reliably meeting the needs of our customers. As those needs change, we are changing too. We handle, heave and haul more than 100 million tons of waste each year for more than 13 million customers nationwide. We've always had a great respect for doing the hard work required to be your garbage man,” said President and CEO, Don Slager. .
Cultural District Art, music & culture are alive and well in the City of Bedford. Citizens and visitors can enjoy an art gallery, historic sites, outdoor music performances and live theater. There are a variety of classes and programs for all ages at our new Bedford Library and the Bedford Boys Ranch Activity Center. All this plus outdoor festivals and plenty of green space within a short walk from the main municipal complex.
Select here for more information on the Cultural District
Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation and Replacement On February 26, 2013 the City Council approved a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Utilitex Construction, LLP of Balch Springs Texas for Sanitary Sewer Line Replacements in Basin 19.1 W of the Sulphur Branch Tributary in the amount of $451,045. The project was designed by Gary Burton Engineering, Inc. Funding from this project will come from the 2010 Wastewater Certificate of Obligations.
The work will take place within the Kelmont Addition of Bedford mainly in the easement along the creek area south of Shirley Way to Schumac Lane and in an area west of Forest Ridge and east of Circle Lane. This project will utilize cured-in-place piping (CIPP), which offers minimal disruption and is less expensive than many other methods. CIPP also extends the life of the sewer pipes without digging trenches and inconveniencing residents. A total of 1,666 linear feet of sanitary sewer main pipe within the tributary will be rehabilitated. A few troubled sections of sewer pipe will replaced by traditional open cut methods. Various manholes will be replaced as well. The start date for the project is April 1, 2013 and is expected to be completed in 90 consecutive calendar days. Construction activities will be on Mondays through Fridays from 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. For questions about this project, please contact the Public Works Department at 817-952-2200
Water Meter Shut Off Assistance - Avoid Fines for Breaking the Shut off Valve This is a friendly reminder that only a Bedford Public Works Employee is authorized to shut off water at the city owned water meter.
Carousel Park to Close During Construction Due to the Simpson Terrace Water Well Project, Carousel Park will remain closed until the summer of 2013..
SIMPSON TERRACE WATER WELL PROJECT On September 11, 2012 the City Council approved the construction of a new potable water well. The new well will be located at 1000 Simpson Terrace, (Carousel Park site), next to the existing water tower.
Community Powered Revitalization Program The City of Bedford has joined the cities of Euless and Hurst, and 6 Stones in the Community Powered Revitalization Program (CPR). Bedford’s mission in joining this program is to protect and promote the integrity of our neighborhoods by assisting in the repair of homes for qualified residents.
Select here to view the program packet and application to participate in future CPR events. Completed applications can be returned to the Customer Service Department in City Hall Building B or mailed to:
David Miller
Deputy City Manager
2000 Forest Ridge Drive
Bedford, TX 76021
Neighborhood Revitalization Program The City of Bedford Code Enforcement, Police Department and Animal Control joined together in 2009 to go out into the community and implement initiatives to foster revitalization within our neighborhoods. The City determined that educating the community combined with enforcement would offer a greater impact for success rather than notices by mail or information by publication alone. These pro-active teams take the opportunity to visit with property owners and talk about ordinance requirements as well as answer any questions they may have to improve their neighborhood and surroundings.
For many years, the City of Bedford has provided an option through the water bill to make a $0.50 donation each month in support of parks. In order to update our record keeping, we are requesting all of those customers who wish to donate $0.50 a month to fill out and return the form located below. Once we receive your form, we will add the $0.50 donation to your total bill each month and until you no longer wish to participate in the program. Please note that even if you may have donated in the past or signed up to donate in the past, your account will not reflect the donation until we receive the authorization form. Sign up for the Park Donation Fund Online.
Many Loving Pets are Looking for a Good Home
The adoptions can be made at the Bedford Animal Shelter, 1809 Reliance Parkway, Bedford, TX.
Animal Shelter hours are changing from opening at 8:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday to opening at 9:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday.
Help support the Bedford Animal Shelter with the purchase of a Bedford Shelter T-shirts for $15.00
The Bedford Animal Control Division is responsible for the care and custody of all impounded animals, responding to calls for service, quarantining of animals, investigating reports of cruelty and enforcing animal ordinance violations. This Division aggressively seeks good homes for all adoptable animals.
Cat -Snowball is a female Domestic Short Hair about 2 months old. Snowball came into the shelter as a stray, covered in fleas. She was very good during her bath. So she is all cleaned and ready to go to her forever home.
Dog - Bud is a male Retriever Lab/Pitt mix about 1 a year old. Bud came in with his sister Dollie that is also at the shelter, waiting for a good forever home.
Cat - Daniella is a Domestic Short Hair female, about 3 months old. She is very friendly and loves to play.
Dog -Sarge is a Catahoula/Chihua mix, about 3 years old. He is very playful.
Cat - George is a male Domestic Short Hair, about 2 1/2 months old. He is a very playful young male looking for a good home.
"MHC" Master Highway Corridor Overlay District Update
On April 23, 2013, the City Council approved this Amendment to the City of Bedford Zoning Ordinance unanimously. The Master Highway Corridor Overlay District is established to provide a set of standards applicable to future development and redevelopment within the corridor area. These standards are intended to protect and enhance the appearance of the corridor, promote the unique character of the City of Bedford, protect and enhance property values within the corridor, prevent the establishment of incompatible types of development, and coordinate the overall sense of place within this corridor.
North Tarrant Expressway: Highway Expansion Program
Lane Closure Information
Check out bedford4business.com for Lane Closure information specific to Bedford and the surrounding area.
Links Of Interest:
Bedford4business.com
(Don't let construction put a dent in your plans, visit bedford4business.com for alternate routes to key cross-sections and intersections in the City.
View the council meeting in which the presentation was given to the Bedford City Council on Tuesday, July 24.
Council Meetings
All regularly scheduled Council meetings will air on Time Warner Cable (Channel 16 for "basic" subscribers and 15.4 for all "digital" subscribers)) and U-verse (channel 99) the Thursday & Monday following the meeting at 6:00PM. Meetings will also stream live online the day of a council meeting.
Centrally located between Dallas and Fort Worth, Bedford is a progressive community of economic growth and quality development. Bedford offers an extensive and comprehensive benefits program for full-time employees that includes employee medical, dental, life and disability insurance coverage; employer paid retirement plan; paid leave; and tuition reimbursement. Employment with the City of Bedford will provide an exciting and fulfilling opportunity for selected candidates.
All applications and resumes are subject to public disclosure pursuant to the Public Information Act.
The City of Bedford is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, physical or mental disabilities or because they are disabled veterans or veterans of the Vietnam era or Gulf War.
The Bedford Connection is a quarterly magazine and recreation guide.
The B.A.C.E. Newsletter offers residents a way to stay connected via email. Signup for this service to receive an occasional email informing you of current notices and upcoming events. Please type "SUBSCRIBE" into the subject line of the email.
Find out more information about the Bedford Water Department.
Public Information Requests
Texas Government Code, Chapter 552, known as the Texas Public Information Act (the “Act”), gives the public the right to request access to governmental information. The Act is triggered when a person submits a written request to a governmental body and must ask for records or information already in existence. The Act does not require a governmental body to create new information, to do legal research, or to answer questions.
A person may ask to view the information, get copies of the information, or both. If a request is for copies of information, the governmental body may charge for the copies. If a request is only for an opportunity to inspect information, then usually the governmental body may not impose a charge on the requestor. However, under certain limited circumstances a governmental body may impose a charge for access to information. All charges imposed by a governmental body for copies or for access to information must comply with the rules prescribed by the Office of the Attorney General (“OAG”), unless another statute authorizes an agency to set its own charges.
~Adapted from Public Information 2012 Handbook published by the Texas Attorney General’s Office
Requests for public information can be made by sending an email to
or by submitting a Public Information Access Form. The form may be mailed to the attention of City Secretary at 2000 Forest Ridge Drive, Bedford, TX 76021, hand delivered to City Hall Building A or faxed to (817) 952-2103. Please be as specific as possible as to the records you are requesting.
In an effort to provide key financial data to the citizens of Bedford, the City makes available several documents to ensure transparency for all financial transactions. The following information can be found on the Finance page under their respective tabs.
Annual Budget: Also known as the Program of Services, this document outlines the spending plan for the fiscal year as approved by the City Council. This page contains the current Budget along with those from the previous two fiscal years. Hard-copies of the document can be viewed during normal business hours through the City Secretary’s office or at the Bedford Public Library.
Annual Financial Report: This report is generated at the conclusion of the independent audit following each fiscal year. It contains the financial information pertaining to the actual financial transactions that occurred during the closed fiscal year. Three years of reports are posted on this page and hard-copies are available for public viewing during normal business hours through the City Secretary’s office or at the Bedford Public Library.
Check Register: This document is a searchable list of the City’s disbursement registers. These are separated into five sections, Disbursements, Payroll checks (actual checks printed, this does not include direct deposit payments), Capital Projects payments, Manual Checks (those generated outside of the weekly vendor check run) and Purchase card transactions. For the current fiscal year, the register is posted quarterly. For completed fiscal years, the registers have been posted in their entirety.
Financial Reports: The Finance division creates a quarterly report providing a summarized view of revenues and expenditures for all funds. These reports also provide highlights on the financial status of the major funds with supporting graphs and narrative explanation.
Park Donation Fund
