Rapid+Med Urgent Care Center is Open in Double Oak
The Town of Double Oak would like to welcome Rapid Med, Dr. John Gomez and his staff to town. This medical center is conveniently located at the corner of FM 407 and Chinn Chapel.
May 2015 Weather Events
Living in North Texas, we all know and have witnessed first-hand during May how quickly severe storms can come together so I strongly encourage you to invest in a weather radio and to sign up for Denton County CodeRED weather warnings. Simply go to www.dentoncounty.com and look for the CodeRED sign-up on the homepage. It’s also a good idea to download a weather app to your smartphone that provides instant weather alerts when you are on the go. Stay informed when severe weather is approaching.
Double Oak Police Department – National Police Week
Chief Derrick Watson and his outstanding staff on the Double Oak Police Department sincerely thank the Double Oak Women’s Club and the many residents who came by during National Police Week in May and left delicious treats, cards of appreciation, posters or just stopped by to say, “Thank you for your service.” On behalf of the town, thank you and we appreciate everything the DOPD does for our community every day.
Honoring Bill & Laura Wilkinson and Council Swearing-In
At the council meeting on Monday, May 18, family, friends and residents gathered at town hall to share stories and take part in honoring Bill and Laura. Both have been honored with memorial stones at the flagpole and with input from the community the council room has been named the Mayor Bill Wilkinson Community-Government Room. We will miss these two special people, but they will always be in our hearts and memories. Thank you to those who made donations in memory of Mayor Bill and Mrs. Laura. And, to those friends, organizations and neighbors who checked on the Wilkinson’s over the last few months I hope you truly realize how much that meant to them.
Congratulations to Mayor Mike Donnelly and Councilmen Dr. Ara Minassian & Steve Durbin as they begin their new two-year terms on town council.
Appreciation and thanks to the Double Oak Women’s Club for hosting the town hall reception
Update on future Town of Copper Canyon Town Center Development
I ask Double Oak residents to read “What’s Happening in Copper Canyon” in this issue written by Mayor Sue Tejml as her column can best explain what their land owners, developers, Planning & Zoning and Town Council are discussing for the Copper Canyon jurisdiction land on the north and south side of FM 407 that adjoins Double Oak properties and action taken.
On the south side of FM 407, there is an age-restricted community being proposed on 34 acres next to the smaller church, and also home sites proposed on estimated 55 acres. Both developments, as currently proposed, would be higher density than Copper Canyon or Double Oak presently has with our current homes on minimum 1-acre or larger lots. For questions, please contact the Town of Copper Canyon at 940-241-2677.
Discussions at Council Meetings on possible November 2015 Ballot Measures
The town council has been discussing placing items on the November ballot for Double Oak citizens to vote on. The item(s) which will be on future agendas for discussion will be Local Sales Tax Options (and all related matters) and calling for an election on those measures in November. Discussions to date have focused on (1) Road Maintenance and Repair; (2) Crime Control and Prevention District. There is an information box on the town website to read more on the subjects. Local Sales Tax Options are voted on by the citizens.
Update: At the April 20th council meeting, there were further discussions about these business items and council voted to create the Double Oak Crime Control and Prevention District and made appointments to the DOCCPD temporary board of directors. This board will hold posted public meetings in the future and residents are welcome to attend these meetings.
Update: The Town of Double Oak Crime Control and Prevention District Board met on Tuesday, May 26th and approved a proposed two-year budget and also approved to forward this proposed budget to town council for review. A substantial percentage of Double Oak’s current 1% sales tax revenue is most likely generated by Double Oak residents and if the measures are placed on the November ballot, registered voters will be asked to vote FOR or AGAINST to increasing the sales tax which would go towards dedicated street repair and dedicated public safety crime control and prevention district. Sales tax measures and discussions on calling for items to be placed on November ballot will continue at future council meetings so please feel free to stop in and hear discussions and ask questions.
Update: The Town of Argyle had a proposition on the May ballot to renew their street maintenance dedicated sales tax and it was approved. The Town of Bartonville had a proposition on the May ballot for their dedicated Crime Control Prevention District and the Prevention District Sales Tax and it was approved to be continued for 20 years.
Fiscal Year 2015 – 2016 budget planning and work begins soon
Budget discussions will begin in June to prepare for the next fiscal year which begins on October 1st. The current operating budget was balanced by bringing over some reserve funds from the balance sheet. Double Oak’s ad valorem property tax rate is 0.22481 per $100, which is one of the overall lowest in Denton County. Part of the budget planning discussions will be developing the maintenance & operations (M&O) proposed budget and setting the appropriate tax rate. The town may need to consider an increase to the ad valorem property tax rate this next fiscal year. Our town did recently receive another clean and very good annual audit report. Our town has very little debt and does not have any finance bond indebtedness. Double Oak historically operates on the financial principle of pay as we go and keep a sound financial reserve for emergencies, future town projects, operations of the town and unexpected town expenses that pop up. Council welcomes residents to attend our meetings and budget workshops as we proceed preparing the next fiscal year budget. Let me finish by saying that “I” do believe our town needs additional revenue to keep ourselves in good financial shape and to adequately take care of today’s municipal needs and financially prepare for the future needs of our town as best we can.
“RE” Ranch Estates District 11-5 Accessory Building
The Planning and Zoning Commission will be reviewing this section of our town ordinances to determine if there are any amendment recommendations to forward to town council for consideration. Please check with town hall to see when P & Z Commission meetings are scheduled. These meetings are posted public meetings and the public is welcome to attend and participate.
Annual DOVFD July 4th Parade and Picnic
Chief Joe Dent and members of the DOVFD are already making preparations for this wonderful annual event. They need volunteers to help set up and break down, people to help with food, drinks and games. Students in need of volunteer community service hours for school and other organizations find this is a perfect & easy way to pick up some of those required hours. Needed are items or services to auction off with all proceeds going to the fire department. You can find more information about the DOVFD and annual 4th of July parade and picnic @ www.dovfd.org.
If you wish to volunteer or donate-sponsor items, please contact DOVFD Fire Station @ 972-539-7683 or Chief Joe Dent or Captain Kathy Heimerdinger.
Remember to start getting those floats and other items ready for the parade. Let’s make this year’s event one of the biggest and best ever. There will be lots of good food, drinks, music, fun for kids and adults, and, neighbors to visit.
End of School Year – Graduations, Summer Break & DOPD House Watch Program
The Town of Double Oak offers congratulations and best wishes to all Double Oak students. Your town is very proud of you and the hard work you have put into the school year! Drivers, please pay attention and obey the posted speed limit as you drive in Double Oak as our kids will be out of school enjoying summer break playing and riding bikes along our streets.
Because we have an outstanding Police Chief, Lt., Detective and Officers, the Double Oak Police Department provides a House Watch Program when you are out of town traveling. Hundreds of residents use this service each year where you fill out a form and request close patrol. Operating our own police department, the town is pleased to provide this service to all Double Oak residents as needed.
Happy Father’s Day and enjoy a safe summer!
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