Mike Walker, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem

We’re off to a great start for fall, with many activities and projects that will greatly benefit our residents. Of significance, the Town recently received some exciting “best places” rankings from some national publications.

National News:
Town Council and Staff have been working hard to bring a positive reputation as well as  additional jobs to the community, and our efforts have been noticed!

CNN Money Magazine recently ranked Flower Mound No. 2 on its “Best Places to Find a New Job” list. The Town has seen a 10 percent growth in jobs since 2010 and is expected to grow by another 18 percent in jobs through 2018. Flower Mound is also No. 12, and the highest-ranked Texas community, on the publication’s list of “Top Earning Towns,” which was comprised of communities that have highest median family incomes in the country. Flower Mound has a median family income of $131,853. In 2012, the Town ranked No. 19 on the “Top Earnings Towns” list. If you’d like more information, please visit http://time.com/money/3318945/best-places-jobs/.

Flower Mound was also ranked No. 9 on 24/7 Wall St.’s "America's 50 Best Cities to Live" poll. Once again, Flower Mound was also the highest-ranked Texas community on the list. The rankings were based on a range of variables, including crime rates, employment growth, educational attainment, and housing affordability. If you’d like to see the full list by 24/7 Wall St., please visit http://247wallst.com/special-report/2014/09/17/americas-50-best-cities-to-live/#ixzz3Dg1oICwb.

Economic Development:
In September, the Town Council approved a measure that will bring to our Lakeside Business District the Signature Systems Group, LLC (SSG). SSG will be relocating its corporate headquarters and regional distribution center from New York City and will bring at least 30 full-time, high-paying positions. In fact, if you’re not familiar with SSG, the company was named one of the fastest growing private companies in New York City in 2012. SSG is a worldwide leader in the manufacture of modular flooring, temporary roadways, event turf and carpet, and portable fencing products. SSG's products have served musical concerts for performers such as Rascal Flatts, Bon Jovi, Metallica, Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, and U2 to name a few, and high profile events such as the Presidential Inauguration, the London Olympic Games, Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief, various Super Bowl events, the US Open, the PGA Championship, the Beijing Olympic Games, the Asia Games, and the Academy Awards. In addition to more jobs, SSG will be contributing an additional $840,000 to our sales tax base over the next five years. Over the last three years, each economic development project has added up to almost 2,000 new jobs located in Flower Mound. More positive economic news is on the way and I look forward to welcoming additional quality businesses, like SSG, to our community.

Park Updates:
Also in September, the Town Council approved a design plan for Flower Mound’s first dog park, which will be situated on five-acres within Heritage Park East, at the northeast corner of Garden Ridge Boulevard and Spinks Road. The Council chose a design option that includes a one-acre area for small dogs and an approximate two-acre area for larger dogs. This is an amenity many residents have requested for years and it is rewarding to see it move forward. The design plans also includes 40 parking spaces, a black vinyl chain link fence, sidewalks, and other amenities. We will most likely see bids for the dog park this month.

The next phase for Twin Coves Park is also moving forward. To enhance functionality of the park, the boat ramp will be extended another four feet of depth to allow for more visitors to launch their boat during dryer conditions, such as the drought our region has been experiencing for years. Construction is underway now on the boat ramp extension and the Town expects it to be completed soon. Did you know the park is now open for overnight camping? The Town has created a great website that details each camp site, includes a map, and park rules at www.flower-mound.com/twincoves. As more features become available, we will publicize it on the Town’s website.

Going Green:
The Town Council also held a joint work session with the Environmental Conservation Commission  last month. We received an update on the Town’s many sustainability practices and proposed initiatives, including increased recycling opportunities, enhanced environmental building codes, identifying additional land for preservation, and promoting and adopting drought-tolerant landscaping practices at all Town owned land and facilities. In fact, the landscaping of our future Senior Center will be the first Town facility to be completely landscaped using drought-tolerant plants. This will help reduce watering costs and conserve our precious water supply. The Town will also look for additional opportunities to utilize sustainable gardening methods at other facilities. Expect more news about the Town’s sustainability initiatives soon.

Upcoming Events:
Be sure to come out to our Flower Mound Police and Fire Departments’ Open House Events. The Fire Department will hold its annual Open House this year from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 4 at Central Fire Station, 2121 Forums Drive, while the Police Department will hold its Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 18 at 4100 Kirkpatrick Lane . Both events will be family-friendly and will include plenty of opportunities to meet your Flower Mound first responders and tour police and fire vehicles.

Have you and your neighbors registered to host a National Night Out block party on October 7 this year? Neighborhoods that organize block parties will be eligible to compete for the annual Flower Mound Neighborhood of the Year award and receive visits from Town Council members, the Flower Mound Police Department, Fire Trucks, the Fire Department Clowns, and McGruff the Crime Dog. For more information about all upcoming special events, please visit www.flower-mound.com.