March 17, 2017

It's time to sign up for Citizen Police Academy

Do you want to know more about the Pflugerville Police Department and how it operates? Are you interested in having a more active role in community policing? Participate in the next Citizens Police Academy beginning in April 2017.  The Citizens Police Academy is a 45-hour course of instruction to give the public a working knowledge of the Pflugerville Police Department policies and operational practices. It consists of 16 classes, held once a week, for 2-3 hours. The instruction is comprehensive, covering a different area of police work each week. Certified police officers, supervisors and civilian personnel with particular expertise in a specific organizational function will conduct each instructional block. Upon completion, graduates may consider participation in the Citizen on Patrol program and will have valuable information to share with their friends and neighbors about the Police Department. Register today at http://www.pflugervilletx.gov/city-government/police-department/community-services/citizens-police-academy to reserve your spot or call 512-670-5510.

Pflugerville Pfocus highlights the city's new website

Be sure to check out today's episode of Pflugerville Pfocus. At Tuesday's Council meeting the Council discussed their strategic plan, celebrated a clean audit and took a detailed look at the new website Pflugervilletx.gov. In addition, there are new traffic lights up in town. Watch Pfocus here: https://youtu.be/2IUn_wnusHQ

E. Pecan Street right turn lane near SH 130 and trail connection closed March 22

The E. Pecan Street right turn lane and portion of the pedestrian trail near the entrance to Travis County Metro Park is anticipated to be closed next Wednesday, March 22, 2017 for construction of the new Biltmore street connection. The closed section will extend from E. Pecan Street up to Sun Light Near Way to continue construction of the new roadway. Drivers are asked to please slow down and watch for construction crews at work.

Fire hydrant maintenance underway

From March – May 2017, the city of Pflugerville Public Works Department will flush fire hydrants citywide as part of their maintenance program. This is a standard maintenance procedure to keep Pflugerville fire hydrants prepared and ready for emergency use. Upon completion of the flushing, Public Works will repaint each hydrant based on water pressure into the hydrant.

This year public works crews will exercise and flush the fire hydrants across Pflugerville to help preserve the quality and taste of our water during the process.

Colorful fire hydrants explained

Ever wonder why fire hydrants have caps in different colors? Have you ever even noticed some are red and green, all red, red and blue or even orange?

The hydrants are colored in accordance with the American Water Works Association (AWWA) standard based on the amount of flow, or water pressure and supply, that the hydrant can supply. Firefighters can pick from available hydrants for the one with the best flow, using a traffic light scheme of red, orange, green and blue for ease of memory. Green means go as the hydrant flow will be over 1,000 gallons per minute (GPM). Red means stop as the flow is less than 500 GPM.

While used most commonly as a water source during a fire, hydrants exist so the water system can be tested and flushed which is necessary in providing a quality water supply.

Heatherwilde Widening Traffic Switch Planned

As construction along Heatherwilde Boulevard progresses, a traffic switch is scheduled for Monday, March 20, 2017, weather permitting. 

Traffic will begin using the outside single travel lanes on each side of the median.  Inside lanes will be reserved for the contractor’s use to install landscaping, irrigation, final median curb & gutter and street lighting.  Please travel through the construction zone with caution as the signage and traffic patterns change.

Register for the Miss Pflugerville Pageant

Register now to participate in the Miss Pflugerville Pageant in conjunction with Deutschen Pfest 2017. The pageant application deadline is April 1 to compete in the annual competition.

Girls are divided by grade level from the 2017-2018 year: Little- 3rd to 5th grade; Junior- 6th to 8th grade; Miss- High School. Winners volunteer at community events throughout the year including the Pfarmers Market, Library storytimes and community festivals in addition to participating in the Deutschen Pfest and the Deutschen Pfest parade. Applications are online at www.deutschenpfest.com. Pictured is the 2016 Deutschen Pfest Pageant winners:     Little Miss Pflugerville Peyton LeJuene,     Junior Miss Pflugerville Olivia Campbell, and Miss Pflugerville Alexys Knell.

March 21 Pfarmers Market Early Season Shopping Date

 Plan to shop for pfresh veggies and more at the Green Red Barn, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m on March 21. Located at 901 Old Austin Hutto Road, the market will also be open on April 11 and April 25 before the regular weekly summer season starts on May 2. A playground is on site for children while parents shop inside the barn. www.pflugervilletx.gov/pfarmersmarket.

Camp scholarships available for qualified students

The city offers summer camp and Pflugerville Recreation class scholarships to students who are ages 18 and under and who are enrolled in the Pflugerville Independent School District’s free and reduced meals program. Space is limited, so turn in your application today. 

Funds come to the city through a special Community Development Block Grant received from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which is to benefit low-income families. The grant covers 80% of camp costs per child, while parents pay 20%. Costs are based on grade level. In addition to camp, participants may use scholarship for swim lessons and other programs offered at the center. For more information and to obtain a scholarship application, visit parks.pflugervilletx.gov  or stop at the front desk at the Recreation Center, 400 Immanuel Road. Call 512-990-6350 with questions.  To view the summer camps and classes information visit www.pflugervilletx.gov/classes.

Enjoy Musical Story Time

Kids can learn about orchestral instruments while listening to songs performed by the Pflugerville Middle School Horn Choir during a special Musical Saturday Story Time on March 25, 1 p.m. -1:30 p.m. at the Pflugerville Public Library. Everyone is welcome!

Book Buzz, preview new book releases at the library

Get a free tote bag and talk about upcoming books at Book Buzz on Thursday, March 23 at 6:30 p.m. Robert Haddock of Penguin Random House (PRH) will be at the Pflugerville Public Library to give attendees a preview of hot new spring book titles. Guests receive a free bag and print sampler book while supplies last. Plus, you can enter to win new PRH titles. Anyone 18 and up is welcome to attend. Refreshments will be provided.

Safari Greg Pfamily Magic Show

Safari Greg and his amazing urban safari show will be at the library on Saturday, March 25 at 2 p.m. Bring your family to enjoy this state of the art magic show written especially for children. The show combines amazing magic, big laughs and hilarious surprises. All ages are welcome to attend. 

Sign up for Parks and Recreation programs EARLY at Spring Pfling

The Parks and Recreation Department celebrates the day with a focus on city recreation programs and 2017-Spring Pfling activities, including outdoor fun.

Residents can register early for summer pfun camp and swim Lessons during the event only. Regular registration begins on March 27.

Lots of PFUN Activities!
•Get information about new Spring and Summer classes
•Watch or participate in demonstrations of dance classes, gymnastics, archery and more.
•City equipment displays on site -- take photos of the kids!
•Free petting zoo and pony rides outside
•Play tennis in the gymnasium
•Participate in gymnastics fun inside
•Learn about programs for seniors

For more information, call 512-990-6113 or email events@pflugervilletx.gov

Sign up today for the Deutschen Pfest 5K and capture early registration rates

Sign up early and register now for the Deutschen Pfest 5K Pfun Run and/or Kids K set for Sunday, May 21, 2017 in downtown Pflugerville. Come join the fun and run the Deutschen Pfest 5K during the 42nd year of Pflugerville’s Deutschen Pfest, May 19-21.

This chip-timed 5K starts at 8 a.m. and the untimed Kids K follows at 9 a.m. Register early to take advantage of discounted pricing. Wearing your race shirt gets you into Deutschen Pfest all weekend long. The earlier your register, the more you save. The rate is $25 until March 26; $30 until April 30; $35 thereafter. Register online at www.deutschenpfest.com

What's Happening

Stoplight now operating at E. Pecan Street and SH 130

The new stoplight is now operating at E. Pecan Street and SH 130. Watch for these new lights. Lights are also planned for the corner of SH 130 and E. Pflugerville Parkway in conjunction with the future E. Pflugerville Parkway widening project. Stay tuned.

New Sewer Averages on March bills - For residential customers on the City’s retail water and wastewater service, the city bases monthly wastewater charges on your water consumption for November, December, January and February.  The city takes the three lowest consumptions, averages them, and uses that average to set your wastewater charge for the entire year.  Residents will see their new average on the March utility bill. For more information, call 512-990-6100 or email utilitybilling@pflugervilletx.gov.

City rain barrel sale; conserve water- The city of Pflugerville has rain barrels for sale. A Springsaver 50 gallon is $64.99 and a Rainsaver 54 gallon is $84.99. Manufacture does offer larger sizes as well.  Order online at www.cityrainbarrelprogram.org.

City audit - The city received a clean audit which shows dedication to fiscal responsibility. The audit is a review of the city’s financial statements which reflect actual spending and is conducted annually. Check out the city's annual financial report (CAFR) online for a snapshot look at your city's finances. http://www.pflugervilletx.gov/home/showdocument?id=1366

Teen Coloring Club - Meet in the TeenSpace after school to color on Tuesday, March 21 at 4:30 p.m. Use the library’s supplies or bring your own. This program is for ages 12 through 18.

This Week

Legend: B&C – Board & Commissions; P&R – Parks & Recreation; L – Library; PD – Police; O - Other
Online City Event Calendar

Saturday, March 18 - Moana movie matinee (L); Paws and Read (L)
Monday, March 20 - Babytime (L); Archery for children (P&R please pre-register); Paws & Read (L); Intermediate Computer Classes (L)
Tuesday, March 21 - Bilingual story time (L); Monthly senior luncheon (P&R); Homeschool tweens (L); Homeschool teens (L); Heritage House Museum, open (L); Pfarmers Market (P&R); Teen coloring club (L); Mostly Muscles (P&R); City Council meeting (B&C)
Wednesday, March 22 - Walk-in computer help (L); Tween scene (L); Conversational English (L)
Thursday, March 23 - Story time (L); Turning pages book club (L); Kids crafternoon (L)

SAVE THE DATE

March 28 Graphic Novel Book Club - Check out this new book club for adults at the Pflugerville Library. Meet fellow graphic novel enthusiasts and discuss your current reading list at the first Graphic Novel Book Club meeting on March 28 at 6:30 p.m. Club members will also decide on future books or authors to read in the coming months. Whether you are a fan, or new to comic books, everyone 18 and up is welcome.

March 29 Lunch and Learn – Cholesterol Matters: Be Heart Healthy - Sonia Coyle of Texas A&M's Agrilife Extension Office will offer heart healthy tips at the library on Wednesday, March 29 at 1 p.m. A light lunch will be provided. Registration is required for this event. Click here to register.

March 31 Senior Dance - Seniors ages 55 and older are invited to attend the pfree dance at the Recreation Center, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Not a member? Join for just $3 per individual resident per year, or $5 for non-residents, and participate in Senior Activity Club events all year long. Dance to oldies music played by a DJ and enjoy light refreshments. Decorations are courtesy of students from Pflugerville High School. A small group of students from the PHS Band will also perform for a portion of the evening. For more information, call Corey at 512-990-6361.