TIMBERCREEK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
MEETING NOVEMBER 9, 2009-BENBROOK SENIOR CENTER
President Renee Kimbrell opened the meeting with a call to order at 7PM.
* Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Barbara Goins read the Treasurer’s Report. The previous balance was $4,470.03. A disbursement of $75 for membership renewal in the City of Benbrook Chamber of Commerce, plus deposits of $40 for memberships, resulted in a current balance of $4,435.03. A motion to accept the report was presented, seconded, and then accepted unanimously.
* Guest Speaker
President Kimbrell introduced guest speaker Walter Shumac, Public Services Director, City of Benbrook.
Mr. Shumac stated the responsibilities of his department-public works, fleet maintenance, building maintenance, the parts department. There are 7 employees who maintain the parks. As of the Nov. 9th meeting, there were no plans for improvement to the Timbercreek Park due to economic reasons. The fiscal year runs from October to the end of September. The Park Board meets 2 or 3 times yearly and they make recommendations to city council. Citizens can make presentations of ideas to the park board. If the Park Board accepts a presented idea, they submit that to the city council for consideration.
The City Council meets every 1st and 3rd Thursday. Citizens can step up at any meeting and voice a concern. The Council will not respond, but the concern will be noted. Prior to a Council Council meeting, citizens can ask to put an issue on a City Council meeting agenda. They can contact the City Secretary, Joanna King who will provide the rules.
Regarding the Timbercreek Park Bridge, an idea discussed by TCNA members at previous meetings-engineering estimates done previously put the estimate at 70K to 80K. Abutments to stabilize each end are the major expense for such a project.
Mr. Shumac encouraged questions from the membership and Benbrook’s mosquito spray program was discussed. Spraying is kept to a minimum as some residents have concerns with spraying as a health issue. Spraying has been done twice in the past 3 years. If the City should receive a West Nile alert from the CDC, spraying would be initiated. One member suggested the city use Martins as an environmentally safe method. They eat approx. 2,000 mosquitoes daily. Mr. Shumac will research the use of Martins. He also advised residents to contact the city if there is an area with a standing water problem.
* Park Committee Update
Bob Dickason discussed the survey of the Timbercreek Park which was done on Trash Bash Day by members of the TCNA. The park is well maintained. Some ideas for consideration: a walking path, an area for basketball, a bridge to connect both areas of Timbercreek. Mr. Dickason passed out pamphlets of the Trinity Trails system. He has contacted Streams and Valleys, Inc. and suggested it would be of interest to have them as a guest speaker at a future TCNA meeting. The objective would be to discuss establishing a trail head to connect our park with the Trinity Trails system.
Mr. Shumac discussed Streams and Valleys and acknowledged that they were very good at partnering with cities. They are presently working with the City of Fort Worth at the Lakeside Drive area near the soccer field to create a walking path.
Vice-President Dunkin questioned whether a walking path in our Timbercreek Park could be done more reasonably using asphalt. Mr. Shumac expressed his preference for concrete which lasts longer and requires less maintenance. The 2 to 1 cost difference between asphalt and concrete no longer applies due to the rising cost of oil. The ratio is closer to 80 cents on the dollar making concrete a better option, in his opinion.
Mr. Shumac stated he will put forth the idea to the city that the TCNA is interested in a walking path in our neighborhood park. With regards to a basketball area, he expressed concerns with the problem of the nets being destroyed.
Vice-President Dunkin brought forth the issue of safety concerns in the park.
* Oncor Pruning
This issue was on the agenda due to notification by a Timbercreek resident regarding extensive damage done to trees on her property. Barbara Petroski presented pictures of tree trimming done by Oncor contractors which appeared to be 20 feet into her property, well beyond the 10 feet limit. Ms. Petroski stated that the tree trimming crew had no identification on their vehicles or on their person. President Kimbrell had worked with Ms. Petroski to get her concern to Andy Wayman, City Manager. Mr. Wayman contacted Oncor and resolution was still pending at the time of the TCNA meeting.
Mr. Smith also presented photos of tree damage done by an Oncor contractor tree trimming crew. Since Mr. Smith is a dog owner, he was also extremely concerned that the crew did not take care to close the gate to his yard. He contacted Oncor and was not satisfied with their response. President Kimbrell suggested he contact Benbrook City Manager Andy Wayman regarding his issue.
* Member Comments
Judy Cohen presented the idea of the TCNA making a holiday donation to a charity.
She made a motion, which was seconded. This received a unanimous vote of approval. The TCNA will provide a $100 donation to the Benbrook Police Dept. and a $100 donation to the Benbrook Fire Department for their respective charities.
VP Dunkin stated that the Fire Department is still taking canned food donations.
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM.
The next TCNA meeting is tentatively scheduled for February 2010.
Minutes recorded by TCNA Secretary Liz Dickason
Monday, November 30, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
TCNA Meeting November 9th @ 7pm
Timbercreek Neighborhood Association
Next meeting Monday, November 9th
7PM-Senior Center-1010 Mercedes
Please mark your calendars for the next TCNA meeting which will be held on Monday, November 9th. We hope to see you there.
A recent concern voiced by one of our members may be an issue for other residents of Timbercreek. Please contact the City Manager, Andy Wayman, AWayman@cityofbenbrook.com, if you have had any problems.
Next meeting Monday, November 9th
7PM-Senior Center-1010 Mercedes
Please mark your calendars for the next TCNA meeting which will be held on Monday, November 9th. We hope to see you there.
A recent concern voiced by one of our members may be an issue for other residents of Timbercreek. Please contact the City Manager, Andy Wayman, AWayman@cityofbenbrook.com, if you have had any problems.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Heritage Festival - Saturday, 10/17/09
Benbrook Heritage Fest “Cowboy Roundup” Saturday, October 17, 2009
10:00 a.m. -7:00 p.m.
Dutch Branch Park Athletic Complex
1899 Winscott Road
Benbrook, Texas
FREE ADMISSION
Family fun-filled day of western-themed games and activities, historic demonstrations, dance performances and a country western concert featuring “Back At the Ranch.” New this year - A Taste of Mexico - a Mexican Village featuring authentic Mexican food, Latin dancers, and live Mexican music. Admission and most games/activities are free. Activities currently planned include a Native American Village, a Kiddy Korral play area, bounce houses, a miniature horse performance, an outlaw “jail”, arts & crafts vendors, entertainment and great festival food. For more information, contact Patty Bissey at 817 249-6087 or 817 249-3000.
10:00 a.m. -7:00 p.m.
Dutch Branch Park Athletic Complex
1899 Winscott Road
Benbrook, Texas
FREE ADMISSION
Family fun-filled day of western-themed games and activities, historic demonstrations, dance performances and a country western concert featuring “Back At the Ranch.” New this year - A Taste of Mexico - a Mexican Village featuring authentic Mexican food, Latin dancers, and live Mexican music. Admission and most games/activities are free. Activities currently planned include a Native American Village, a Kiddy Korral play area, bounce houses, a miniature horse performance, an outlaw “jail”, arts & crafts vendors, entertainment and great festival food. For more information, contact Patty Bissey at 817 249-6087 or 817 249-3000.
National Night Out - Tuesday, 10/13/09
National Night Out will be October 13th from 5pm to 8pm at the YMCA/Castle Park. This is a great opportunity to come out and meet the people who work in police and fire. There will be door prizes and lots of fun.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
August 10, 2009 - TCNA Meeting Mintues
TIMBERCREEK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
MEETING AUGUST 10, 2009-BENBROOK SENIOR CENTER-7PM
President Renee Kimbrell opened the meeting with a call to order and introduced the guest speaker.
Guest Speaker-Wes Cooper-Crime Prevention Officer
Mr. Cooper was joined by Benbrook Officer Doug Byrd for a slide show presentation. Information such as crime prevention tips and citywide statistics were provided.
Crime rates in 2007 per 1,000 people affected by crime:
Benbrook -24
Fort Worth – 61
Tarrant County – 39
State Average – 46
Crime stats for the last 6 months averaged to approximately 10 crimes per month:
5 Burglaries, 2 Credit Card Abuses, 7 Thefts, 4 Burglaries of Motor Vehicles, 1 Theft of a Motor Vehicle, 38 Misc. Crimes such as drug possession, DWI, Harassment, Assault.
Prevention tips included:
Locking your car, even in your driveway.
Removing items from your vehicle that could be a temptation for thieves.
Create the impression you are at home when you leave your residence. Leave on a TV, radio. Home burglaries often occur during the daytime.
Do not let newspapers and mail accumulate while you are away.
Do not use your mailbox to mail bills which have your information. Take them directly to the post office.
Take pictures of your valuables, jewelry. This helps the detectives identify items if they are stolen. Detectives will check pawn shops looking for stolen goods.
Park close to the front of stores while shopping, keep children in eyesight, always lock your car doors while traveling, and be aware of your surroundings.
Do not carry your Social Security Card in your wallet; do not carry every credit card.
Call police for anything out of the ordinary in your neighborhood. Patrol cars average 100 miles per shift (3 shifts), but the eyes of the citizen are invaluable.
Benbrook police average 7 calls per shift-average response time-less than 2 min.
While on vacation, citizens can request a vacation check by the police department. They will patrol by your property, and when you return, you can request a report of the number of patrol checks which were completed.
There is a Citizens on Patrol program. Contact the Benbrook Police for information.
There are 22 sexual predators registered in the city. Due to city ordinances, registered offenders cannot move into many areas in our city, for example, those areas near schools and parks. However, offenders who lived in those areas before the ordinance passed, they are grandfathered in and can remain in residence.
The Fort Worth/Benbrook land swap was discussed. Pecan Valley is a Fort Worth park in the Benbrook city limits. Benbrook is basically land locked, and in order to grow, there are plans (not yet finalized) to swap Pecan Valley for land currently owned by Fort Worth. Secretary Liz Dickason brought up the issue of patrol of the Pecan Valley Park area, which is currently done by Benbrook. Guest speaker Wes Cooper confirmed that patrol would be turned over to Fort Worth if that deal is finalized.
This was an interactive discussion, and members were encouraged to ask questions during the presentation.
President Kimbrell thanked the guest speakers at the conclusion of their presentation. She advised the membership to visit the TCNA blogspot where there are links to valuable information such as crime stats, Benbrook city information, and other nearby HOA.
www.tcnabenbrook.blogspot.com
Treasurer’s Report
Secretary Liz Dickason read the report as submitted by Treasurer Barbara Goins.
The previous balance of $4,434.03, plus $36 in new memberships from the May 11th meeting, resulted in a current account balance of $4,470.03.
Water Barrel Conservation
District Captain Judy Cohen advised the members on cost of water barrels for lawn watering, and the option to make your own. Some nearby cities have offered classes on how to make these barrels and the membership showed interest in having a demonstration at some future time. Judy Cohen’s article can be viewed on the TCNA blogspot in the archive 2009 section.
Benbrook Post Office
President Kimbrell notified the membership that, as of this meeting, our local post office is not included in the list of potential closings. This had been a concern of some residents.
Park Committee
Park Committee member Bob Dickason presented the Timbercreek Park Action Plan (attached). The TCNA has been interested in ideas to improve our park. Saturday, September 12th at 10AM is the date set for a walk through the park to discuss options. TCNA members are encouraged to meet at the park on that date.
Open Discussion-Charitable Donation
The membership expressed interest in donating $100 to charity on behalf of the TCNA.
President Kimbrell will research and select a cause for donation. The membership voted to allow President Kimbrell to select a cause and donate before the next meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.
The next meeting of the TCNA is tentatively scheduled for November 9, 2009.Minutes recorded by TCNA Secretary Liz Dickason
MEETING AUGUST 10, 2009-BENBROOK SENIOR CENTER-7PM
President Renee Kimbrell opened the meeting with a call to order and introduced the guest speaker.
Guest Speaker-Wes Cooper-Crime Prevention Officer
Mr. Cooper was joined by Benbrook Officer Doug Byrd for a slide show presentation. Information such as crime prevention tips and citywide statistics were provided.
Crime rates in 2007 per 1,000 people affected by crime:
Benbrook -24
Fort Worth – 61
Tarrant County – 39
State Average – 46
Crime stats for the last 6 months averaged to approximately 10 crimes per month:
5 Burglaries, 2 Credit Card Abuses, 7 Thefts, 4 Burglaries of Motor Vehicles, 1 Theft of a Motor Vehicle, 38 Misc. Crimes such as drug possession, DWI, Harassment, Assault.
Prevention tips included:
Locking your car, even in your driveway.
Removing items from your vehicle that could be a temptation for thieves.
Create the impression you are at home when you leave your residence. Leave on a TV, radio. Home burglaries often occur during the daytime.
Do not let newspapers and mail accumulate while you are away.
Do not use your mailbox to mail bills which have your information. Take them directly to the post office.
Take pictures of your valuables, jewelry. This helps the detectives identify items if they are stolen. Detectives will check pawn shops looking for stolen goods.
Park close to the front of stores while shopping, keep children in eyesight, always lock your car doors while traveling, and be aware of your surroundings.
Do not carry your Social Security Card in your wallet; do not carry every credit card.
Call police for anything out of the ordinary in your neighborhood. Patrol cars average 100 miles per shift (3 shifts), but the eyes of the citizen are invaluable.
Benbrook police average 7 calls per shift-average response time-less than 2 min.
While on vacation, citizens can request a vacation check by the police department. They will patrol by your property, and when you return, you can request a report of the number of patrol checks which were completed.
There is a Citizens on Patrol program. Contact the Benbrook Police for information.
There are 22 sexual predators registered in the city. Due to city ordinances, registered offenders cannot move into many areas in our city, for example, those areas near schools and parks. However, offenders who lived in those areas before the ordinance passed, they are grandfathered in and can remain in residence.
The Fort Worth/Benbrook land swap was discussed. Pecan Valley is a Fort Worth park in the Benbrook city limits. Benbrook is basically land locked, and in order to grow, there are plans (not yet finalized) to swap Pecan Valley for land currently owned by Fort Worth. Secretary Liz Dickason brought up the issue of patrol of the Pecan Valley Park area, which is currently done by Benbrook. Guest speaker Wes Cooper confirmed that patrol would be turned over to Fort Worth if that deal is finalized.
This was an interactive discussion, and members were encouraged to ask questions during the presentation.
President Kimbrell thanked the guest speakers at the conclusion of their presentation. She advised the membership to visit the TCNA blogspot where there are links to valuable information such as crime stats, Benbrook city information, and other nearby HOA.
www.tcnabenbrook.blogspot.com
Treasurer’s Report
Secretary Liz Dickason read the report as submitted by Treasurer Barbara Goins.
The previous balance of $4,434.03, plus $36 in new memberships from the May 11th meeting, resulted in a current account balance of $4,470.03.
Water Barrel Conservation
District Captain Judy Cohen advised the members on cost of water barrels for lawn watering, and the option to make your own. Some nearby cities have offered classes on how to make these barrels and the membership showed interest in having a demonstration at some future time. Judy Cohen’s article can be viewed on the TCNA blogspot in the archive 2009 section.
Benbrook Post Office
President Kimbrell notified the membership that, as of this meeting, our local post office is not included in the list of potential closings. This had been a concern of some residents.
Park Committee
Park Committee member Bob Dickason presented the Timbercreek Park Action Plan (attached). The TCNA has been interested in ideas to improve our park. Saturday, September 12th at 10AM is the date set for a walk through the park to discuss options. TCNA members are encouraged to meet at the park on that date.
Open Discussion-Charitable Donation
The membership expressed interest in donating $100 to charity on behalf of the TCNA.
President Kimbrell will research and select a cause for donation. The membership voted to allow President Kimbrell to select a cause and donate before the next meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.
The next meeting of the TCNA is tentatively scheduled for November 9, 2009.Minutes recorded by TCNA Secretary Liz Dickason
August 10, 2009 Park Committee Action Plan
Timbercreek Park Action Plan
1. Determine the City’s present development plan and operating budget for the Park. Report back to TCNA at the next scheduled meeting.
Action By:
2. Develop and submit to the TCNA a prioritized development Plan. Report back to the TCNA at the next scheduled meeting.
Meet at the Park on Saturday, September 19 at 8:30am in conjunction with Trash Bash.
Discuss desired development to submit to TCNA for consideration and subsequent submission to the City:
Examples
Dog Park
Walking Path
Pedestrian bridge across Timber Creek
Bike Path to connect to FT Worth Clear Fork Trail
Public garden plots
Senior area
Landscaping
Picnic table/benches
Athletic facilities
Sign for the Park
Name for the Park
Parking
Security
3. TCNA board review recommendations and establish priorities.
4. TCNA solicit budgets for priority items.
5. TCNA submit priorities and budgets to City for consideration.
1. Determine the City’s present development plan and operating budget for the Park. Report back to TCNA at the next scheduled meeting.
Action By:
2. Develop and submit to the TCNA a prioritized development Plan. Report back to the TCNA at the next scheduled meeting.
Meet at the Park on Saturday, September 19 at 8:30am in conjunction with Trash Bash.
Discuss desired development to submit to TCNA for consideration and subsequent submission to the City:
Examples
Dog Park
Walking Path
Pedestrian bridge across Timber Creek
Bike Path to connect to FT Worth Clear Fork Trail
Public garden plots
Senior area
Landscaping
Picnic table/benches
Athletic facilities
Sign for the Park
Name for the Park
Parking
Security
3. TCNA board review recommendations and establish priorities.
4. TCNA solicit budgets for priority items.
5. TCNA submit priorities and budgets to City for consideration.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Trash Bash - September 19, 2009
Trash Bash 2009
Trash Bash is an annual cleanup event where local volunteers join together to pick up litter and debris from Benbrook Lake and park areas. Trash bags and gloves provided.
Saturday, September 19, 2009 8:30AM-11:30AM
Contact Renee Kimbrell, rkimbrell@sbcglobal.net or 817-680-4772 if you are interested in cleaning up the TimberCreek Park from 8:30am to 10:30 am.
We can head over to Dutch Branch Park Athletic Complex(East parking lot near concession stand) by 11:00 amd for Free Hot Dog Lunch provided to all volunteers at 11:00AM.
Free T-Shirts, Giveaways, and FUN DOOR PRIZES!!
Trash Bash is an annual cleanup event where local volunteers join together to pick up litter and debris from Benbrook Lake and park areas. Trash bags and gloves provided.
Saturday, September 19, 2009 8:30AM-11:30AM
Contact Renee Kimbrell, rkimbrell@sbcglobal.net or 817-680-4772 if you are interested in cleaning up the TimberCreek Park from 8:30am to 10:30 am.
We can head over to Dutch Branch Park Athletic Complex(East parking lot near concession stand) by 11:00 amd for Free Hot Dog Lunch provided to all volunteers at 11:00AM.
Free T-Shirts, Giveaways, and FUN DOOR PRIZES!!
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