Archive for November, 2008

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The following information is distributed from the City of Frisco’s News
and Information service.

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(November 11, 2008)  The City of Frisco offers residents ‘tips’ for tackling rodents in neighborhoods — and reminds homeowners it’s common for neighborhood rodent populations to rise as temperatures drop.

“Because the weather is changing, rats and mice are seeking warmer habitats,” said Greg Carr, Code Enforcement and Animal Control Administrator.  ”Residents who live near construction or newly cut fields or farmland may also experience an increase of rodents in their area since construction and plowing displaces the rats and mice from their natural habitats.”

Carr says there are several steps homeowners and residents can take to
deal with any influx of rodents.

• Hire exterminator and use consistent pest treatment
• Keep landscaping and grass cut
• Seal trash containers
• Do not leave pet food ‘out’ once your pet has eaten
• Pick up trash and debris
• Keep garage doors closed
• Seal holes, cracks and entryways around pipes with steel wool or wire screen.  (Holes as small as quarter inch will allow entry into a building)
• Repair water leaks and drips, which provide pests a water source

The City of Frisco does not provide rodent control programs on private property for several reasons.

“City staff can’t enter private property to address rodent issues without permission,” said Carr.  ”Plus, we (city staff) don’t place baits out in
public areas because of the risk to pets and children.  That’s why we recommend homeowners contract with exterminators to devise a pest control program which best fits their own home and family needs.”

Carr adds, if one homeowner is baiting or treating for rodents — but the neighbor isn’t taking the same action - the problem will merely move next door.  ”A continuing abatement program involving all homeowners (or the entire HOA) is the best defense against rodent infestation,” said Carr.

Should you find dead rats or mice, animal control officers recommend you put the rodents in a sealed plastic bag and place in the trash.

Follow these directions for cleaning areas where rodent ‘droppings’ are found:

• Wear rubber, latex or vinyl gloves
• Soak area with disinfectant (water/bleach solution of one part bleach to 10 parts water)
• Remove waste with paper towels.  Do not sweep or vacuum area.  Such action can potentially spread viruses through the air.
• Wash exposed clothing and bedding
• Wash hands with soap and water after removing gloves
• Use professional service to clean heating and cooling ventilation systems

For more information about rats, mice and other rodents common in our
area, go to www.friscotexas.gov/animalcontrol

FRISCO’S ANNUAL COMMUNITY PARADE TOMORROW, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8; HONORS VETERANS, SHOWCASES SCHOOL SPIRIT

To view a map of available parking, the parade route or the staging map for groups lining up for the parade procession, please go to the home page of www.friscotexas.gov.Veterans will be showcased, including Congressman Ralph Hall, who is this year’s parade Grand Marshal. Congressman Hall represents Texas’ 4th District. He joined the U.S. Navy on December 10, 1942, serving as a lieutenant (senior grade) aircraft carrier pilot from 1942 to 1945. Hall was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1980 and has been re-elected to each succeeding Congress. Congressman Hall was selected as Ranking Member of the Committee on Science and Technology for the 110th Congress.

Frisco ISD is considered to be among the fastest growing school districts growing by 20 to 30% annually for the past eight years. In 1995 Frisco had just four schools, today we have 29 new schools in development with 18 of those schools currently functioning.

Security

FISD takes security seriously with a number of safety/security systems in place or underway. The security measures implemented for the schools include high resolution cameras in highly traffic areas, security on campus and controlled access.

Low Student/Teacher Ratio

The sizes of the schools in Frisco are intentionally smaller than the national average. Elementary schools are built to educate 700 students, middle schools serve 800 to 1,000 and highschools serve just 1500 to 1800 students. The reason for Frisco’s commitment to smaller teacher/student ratio is to allow teachers and students to form better relationships and to serve the children’s need to be involved in extracurricular activies.

Academics & Test Scores

Frisco continues to raise the standardized test score averages of its students, which are well above state and national averages.

Technology

Computer labs are located in every Frisco School at the ratio of three computers for every student. The computers in the computer labs are replaced every five years and older machines are moved to the back of the classrooms for in-class use. Projectors are also available to teachers as a tool for internet, computer and video streaming.

To learn more about Frisco Schools, please visit the FISD website.

Frisco New Homes in $150 - $250,000 Price Range

• Lennar Homes
• Pulte Homes
• Centex Homes
• Mercedes Homes
• DR Horton Homes

Frisco New Homes in $250 - $500,000 Range

• Drees Homes
• Highland Homes
• Southerby Homes
• Darling Homes
• Tollbrothers Homes
• NewCastle Homes

Frisco New Homes in $500,000 - $1,000,000

• Huntington Homes
• Sanders Homes
• Hawkins-Welwood
• Kirklin Homes
• Other Custom Homes

Outside Ammenities

• Distinctive Architecture
• Structural Brick Work
• Roof Details
• Stonework
• Lush Landscaping
• 2 and 3 Car Garage
• Covered Patios
• Summer Kitchens
• Bar-B-Q
• Pool-Sized Yard
• Custom Pools with Waterfall & Sauna

Inside Ammenities

Kitchen Ammenities

• Large kitchens
• Granite Countertops
• Double-Ovens
• Custom Cabinets
• Walk-In Pantries
• Open to Breakfast area
• Open to Family room
• Large Ceramic Tile on Diagnol
• Tile Backsplash
• Stainless Steel Appliance
• Faux or Skip Trowel Finish

Other Ammenities

• Study with built-ins and dark-wood finish
• Large entries
• Wine Cellar
• Large (1617 x 2017) Media Rooms with raised area for comfortable seating
• Gamerooms close to Media Room
• Large Master Suites with interesting Ceilings
• Spacious Master Baths with jetted tubs, oversized showers and large closets.

Frisco is among the fastest-growing cities in the United States. There are many reasons for this influx of new residents, the biggest of which can be summed up in three words: “location, location, location!” The town is just minutes north of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in a booming area dubbed the “Golden Corridor.” The extension of the North Dallas Tollway into the center of Frisco has helped to further the city’s explosive growth.

Located in Collin and Denton counties, this family-oriented community offers excellent schools, a pro-business government, modern health care facilities and an abundance of recreational opportunities at 19 local parks. The Frisco Independent School District is accomplished in academics, athletics and fine arts. The district offers the best in a well-rounded education for students in Frisco and some surrounding communities.

While Frisco has expanded tremendously in recent years growing from just over 6,000 residents in 1990 to more than 66,000 today the city has done an excellent job of managing growth and assuring quality of life for its residents.

Like the rest of the town, Frisco’s real estate market is booming. From charming condos and townhouses to scenic lots and land for custom building, you’re sure to find the property you seek. Frisco has a wide variety of real estate options, including single-family detached homes, condominiums and townhouses. Many residences are located on tree-filled lots or are close to wooded areas and golf courses. Houses with such features as fireplaces and swimming pools are available in subdivisions such as Stonebriar Creek, Starwood, and Villages of Stonebriar Park.

Although the majority of housing options are single-family homes, there are some condos and townhouses available starting in the mid-$100,000s. Because of the explosive growth in Frisco, land and lots for custom building are available, but Frisco TX Real Estate is going fast.

Request for more information.

by Katherine Cromer Brock Staff writer

Frisco planned development Phillips Creek Ranch has been purchased by Dallas-based Republic Property Group after the original developer couldn’t secure financing and the property went into foreclosure.

Republic will work with the City of Frisco to determine how best to proceed with redrawing plans originally approved for the 1,000-acre tract two years ago, said Jake Wagner, vice president for development and acquisitions for Republic. Wagner declined to divulge the purchase price.

Dallas Business Journal

By Ann Marie Shambaugh, Staff Writer
Friday, November 7, 2008

The Frisco Community Parade will honor the city’s veterans as it marches down Main Street Saturday, with Navy veteran and U.S. Rep. Ralph Hall serving as the grand marshal.

Annual participant Frisco VFW Post 8273 is expecting to fit 30 veterans on its float this year, which will be led by boy scouts serving as flag guards. The display will also include members of the National Guard in fatigues.

VFW Post 8273 Commander Lee Myrben said that he appreciates the city’s effort to honor veterans during the parade.

“I’m thankful we can be recognized for what part we did play [in protecting the country],” Myrben said.
Full Story

(November 7, 2008 - 12:30 p.m.)  Frisco firefighters are responding to a natural gas line break on Warren Parkway.  As a result, two eastbound lanes of Warren Parkway – from Legendary traveling eastbound for approximately 300 feet – are temporarily closed.  One lane remains open. 

Utility crews with Co Serv and Atmos are on the scene working to make repairs.  Firefighters are monitoring ‘gas levels’ in the area, which includes monitoring nearby buildings.  At this time, there are no evacuations.

http://www.ci.frisco.tx.us/