City Holiday/No Trash Collection
In observance of the Labor Day holiday, there will be no residential trash, curbside recycling or brush/bulky collection Monday, Sept. 5. In addition, the following facilities will be closed:
● City Hall ● Heritage Aquatic Center
●
● Irving Arts Center
● North Lake Natatorium
All offices and services will resume normal business hours on Sept 6. Visit CityofIrving.org for more information. n
CityofIrving.org
With rising property values impacting residents, the Irving City Council began examining ways it could provide some relief to homeowners. On June 30, the City Council approved increasing the existing over 65/disabled person exemption from $45,000 to $50,000 for Fiscal Year 2022-23. This exemption allows eligible homeowners to exclude a portion of their home’s value from assessment, reducing their tax bill. The exemption increase takes effect for property tax bills to be issued this fall and due in January.
The city’s homestead exemption remains at 20 percent of taxable home value, which is the maximum exemption allowed by the State of Texas. That exemption has been at the maximum rate for more than 20 years.
Tax Exemptions | Effective Oct. 1
● Property Owners, 65 and older – $50,000
● Disabled Person – $50,000
● Optional Homestead – 20 percent of the home's value ($5,000 minimum)
63 percent of Irving homeowners receive the homestead exemption and 20 percent receive the over 65/disabled exemption. To qualify for these
Irving residents elected John Bloch to single-member district, Place 1 during the runoff election held June 18.
Irving operates under a council-manager form of government where council sets city policy and the city manager is responsible for organizational operations. Residents elect a mayor and eight council members to serve the city. All council members are elected for threeyear terms. Elected officials are under a mixed system of single-member districts and at-large seats.
Budget Retreat
Irving City Council’s Budget Retreat is set for Aug. 19. The Budget Retreat will be televised on ICTN 2 (ICTN.tv, Spectrum Channel 95 and Frontier Channel 31).
Two additional public hearings will be held on the proposed annual budget following the budget retreat. Adoption of the budget is scheduled for Sept. 15, and the city’s fiscal year runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. Call the City Secretary’s Office at (972) 721-2493 to confirm public hearing dates. n
Whether it’s concerts at the Toyota Music Factory or prestigious golf tournaments at Las
Irving attracts visitors from around the world.
A popular lodging option for many visitors is a shortterm rental (STR) property, which offers visitors a home, apartment or room in a home instead of a traditional hotel. However, the City of Irving recognizes the need
to ensure that STRs operate in a way that protects the quality of life in neighborhoods.
The Irving City Council recently adopted an ordinance requiring that STRs operating within city limits be registered with the city by Oct. 1 to ensure the City of Irving can quickly contact STR owners when issues occur. STR owners and operators can register properties starting Aug. 1 by visiting CityofIrving.org/STR
Establishing and maintaining contact with STR operators, who are often not living on the property, is critical. Concerns, such as property maintenance and rental guest activity that violates state laws or city codes, must be addressed and corrected swiftly.
For questions regarding STR licensing, contact Yessemeri Chavez in the Code Enforcement Department at ychavez@cityofirving.org or (972) 721-4944. n
Residents interested in serving on a board, committee or commission are welcome to apply at CityofIrving.org/CitySecretary and select “Boards and Commissions.” Qualified applicants must be an Irving resident and registered voter in the city for at least one year immediately prior to the date of their appointment. Deadline to apply for November board appointments is Friday, Sept. 16. For more information, call (972) 721-2493.
Irving boards, committees and commissions:
● Advisory Committee on Disabilities
● Animal Services Advisory Committee
● Arts Board
● Board of Health
● Building and Standards Commission
PERFORMANCES & EVENTS
Aug. 1-5 | Theatre Camp: Around the World in 80 (or less) Plays
Monday-Friday | 10a.m. to 4 p.m. | Ages: 7-14 | $225
Students create, write, produce and perform an original production guided by the pros from Chicago’s awardwinning Child’s Play Touring Theatre.
Aug. 4 | JumpstART Stories & Art: Dog Days of Summer
10 a.m. I Free
Beat the heat with stories and art inspired by cool canine friends!
Aug. 6 | Volunteer Fair
Presented by Irving Arts Center
2 to 4 p.m. I Free
Join a fun and informative afternoon that showcases the many opportunities for volunteers, both at the Irving Arts Center and other local nonprofits.
● Civil Service Commission
● Construction Board of Appeals
● Convention and Visitors Bureau Board
● Green Advisory Board
● Housing and Human Services Board
● Library Board
● Museum Advisory Board
● Parks and Recreation Board
● Planning and Zoning Commission
● Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Board, No. 1
● Youth Council
● Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals
For descriptions, qualifications and meeting frequency visit CityofIrving.org/City-Secretary and select “Boards and Commissions.” n
Aug. 14 | Second Sunday Funday: Print It 1 to 4 p.m. I Free Drop in to explore basic printmaking techniques to create designs with images on cloth and paper.
Aug. 20 | Against All Odds: A Stage Play
7 p.m. | Free "Against All Odds" is an original stage play, written and directed by Chavonne L. Starr.
For more information about activities, visit IrvingArtsCenter.com
The 3-day engagement at the Irving Arts Center will be the first on a national 39-date cross-country tour Sept.1618, following a tech run at the facility. North Texas families of all ages will be among the very first audiences to enjoy the celebrated show featuring Pooh, Christopher Robin, and their best friends Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit and Owl (and Tigger too).
"The music, the spectacular life-size puppets, and the charming performances are the perfect way to introduce (or re-introduce) audiences to live theatre, and this is a must-see show for Winnie the Pooh fans of all ages. We are excited to bring the Hundred Acre Wood across America so that audiences of all ages can join us for this heartwarming production," said Director Jonathan Rockefeller.
In the new story from the Hundred Acre Wood, this fresh stage adaptation is told with impressive life-size puppetry, telling exciting new stories featuring characters that have played iconic roles in the lives of children for generations. Accompanying the magical, modern narrative is an original score from Nate Edmondson, which features some of the songs written for the animated feature from The Sherman Brothers, including “Winnie the Pooh,” “The Blustery Day,” “The Wonderful Thing About Tiggers,” “Whoop-De-Dooper Bounce,” and A.A. Milne's “The More It Snows.”
Tickets are on sale now at IrvingArtsCenter.com and by phone at (972) 252-2787. More information is available at WinniethePoohShow.com n
Irving will welcome professional triathletes and fans from across the globe for the inaugural PTO U.S. Open on Sept. 17 and 18 at Levy Event Plaza, 501 E. Las Colinas Blvd.
The competition, held by the Professional Triathletes Organisation, will include a swim in Lake Carolyn, a flat bike race and a flat run through Las Colinas. All events will begin and end at Levy Event Plaza.
This is PTO’s inaugural event in the United States and boasts a prize purse of $1 million. For more information on the event, visit ProTriathletes. org/Events/pto-tour/us-open n
Free to view. Open Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. No advance reservation needed.
CONTINUING EXHIBITIONS
Partituren/Time Stands Still: Photographs by Michael Matthews and Michael Kruscha Through Aug. 27 | Dupree Lobby Gallery Berlin-based artists Michael Matthews and Michael Kruscha come from different backgrounds, work in different media, and have very different artistic experiences and perspectives. Primarily an abstract painter, Kruscha is also an avid photographer and world traveler. The Canadian composer Matthews creates fully abstract, microcosmic images based on found textures and colors.
Selections from the Irving Arts Center Permanent Collection Through Aug. 27 | Carpenter Lobby Gallery
A new exhibition featuring 10 artists, selections include a bronze sculpture entitled "Loaded To Go" by African wildlife artist, Robert Glen (known for his iconic Mustangs of Las Colinas); 14 of J.J. L’Heureux’s photographs from her "Faces from the South Ocean" and "Shackleton’s Hut" series documenting her Antarctic expeditions; "Zima," a large-scale painted aluminum wall sculpture by Heather Marcus; Día de Muertos-inspired serigraphs by Mexican artist Antonio Ehrenzweig; mixed media New Mexico landscapes by Robert N. Batson; and the recently donated painting, Hybrid: Floral Four (2011) by Dallas artist, Bob Nunn.
NEW EXHIBITIONS
22nd Annual Art Connection Members Show Through Aug. 27 | Main Gallery
A mixed media exhibition of works submitted by Irving Arts Center’s Art Connection members will be on display in the Main and Focus Galleries.
WRR Radio Centennial Celebration Through Aug. 27 | Courtyard Gallery
Curated in partnership with Dallas Municipal Archives, this collection highlights the central position of WRR in the Dallas and North Texas community from its origins in public safety as fire and police dispatch, to its many decades of music programming as an AM station, to its stature today as a premier Classical FM station that can be heard from a 100-mile radius. The display features a collection of historical images from the past 10 decades, plus rare photos of the many local and international luminaries who have served as advocates for the station.
On Stage at Heritage
Enjoy entertainment for all ages with this free series on the second Friday of the month at Heritage Park at 217 S. Main St. Dine in the Irving Heritage District or purchase dinner from food trucks. Don't forget to bring blankets and lawn chairs.
● Aug. 12 | Comedy Show by Dorie McLemore
6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Stand-up comedian delivering a fun, entertaining, clean comedy show for all ages.
● Sept. 9 | Car Show - Classic Cars on Display
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Car enthusiasts will enjoy a variety of more than 60 cars with live music and food trucks.
Irving’s Beer, Wine & Food Festival
Barley and Bites (Irving's Beer, Wine & Food Festival)
Sept. 24 | 4 to 9 p.m. Levy Event Plaza 501 E. Las Colinas Blvd.
Grab a bite and take a sip from over 20 local food, beer and wine vendors at the Levy Event Plaza. This inaugural tasting event will feature yard games, mini golf, photo booths and Irving’s annual Hot Wing Challenge.
Live music includes performances by Danni & Kris, Jon Christopher Davis and The Powell Brothers.
Cimarron Park Recreation Center
201 Red River Trail, (972) 910-0702
● Aug. 13 | Indian Heritage Celebration
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | All ages | Free Experience Indian culture with guest speakers, performances, food and more.
Georgia Farrow Recreation Center
530 Davis Drive, (972) 721-2519
● Aug. 6 | Backpack Giveaway
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Grades K-6 | Free
Join Georgia Farrow and S&F Athletes for a community backpack giveaway.
● Aug. 13 | Baylor Awareness & Wellness Screening
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Ages 18 and older | Free Health, wellness and education programs available to adults with diabetes and those at risk for prediabetes.
Heritage Senior Center
200 S. Jefferson St., (972) 721-2496
● Aug. 2, 9, 16 | Living Well Series
11 a.m. to noon | 50 years and older | Free
This series provides information, guided practice, tools and tips to improve overall health and wellness.
● Aug. 4 | Classic Thursdays
2 to 3:30 p.m. | 50 years and older | Free
The first Thursday of each month, a classic movie will be featured on the big screen; this month is "Grumpy Old Men." Light refreshments will be served.
● Aug. 18 | Brunch and Bingo
10 to 11:30 a.m. | 50 years and older | Free Enjoy a morning with brunch, bingo and prizes. Space is limited. Register by Aug. 11.
Lively Pointe Youth Center
909 N. O’Connor Road, (972) 721-8090
● Aug. 4 | Irving Youth Action Council Social
6 to 8 p.m. | Grades 6-12 | Free Seeking motivated young leaders, volunteers and creative planners to be a part of the council. Parents are welcome to attend.
● Aug. 19 | Lively Back to School Fest
4 to 7 p.m. | Grades 6-12 | Free
A back-to-school event for teens to learn more about the youth programs in Irving. Food, snow cones, giveaways, and much more! Parents are encouraged to attend.
Mustang Park Recreation Center
2223 Kinwest Parkway, (972) 556-1334
● Tuesdays | Riaz Art Painting with a Sip 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. | 18 years and older | $40 per month
Learn a variety of painting techniques for watercolor, acrylic and oil in this workshop. For more information, contact Riaz Sultana at (469) 463-0875.
Northwest Park Recreation Center
2800 Cheyenne St., (972) 721-2529
● Aug. 12 | End of Summer Field Day
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Grades K-5 | $5 per person
Say goodbye to summer with outdoor games, relays and refreshments. Children 8 years and younger must be accompanied by a parent. Register by Aug. 3.
Senter Park Recreation Center
901 Senter Road, (972) 721-2641
● Aug. 19 | Back to School Family Game Night 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. | All ages | Free
Play a variety of family games ― from board games, cards, dominoes, Twister, toss, Minute to Win It, and more. Register by Aug. 17.
Visit CityofIrving.org/IrvingRec to register online. Call the recreation center for more information.
Each library location offers programs and activities for all ages and interests. Check out CityofIrving.org/ Calendar for more details. Contact the library at (972) 721-2440 for information about MiY Zone program registration requirements.
● Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 | Discover With Me 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. | South Irving Library | Ages 1-3, parents, caregivers
This Wednesday morning educational series will feature areas for children to experience unstructured play, and caregivers have an opportunity to talk with a children's specialist. Topics for discussion include early literacy, child development, health and nutrition and more.
Craftastic! | Adults
● Aug. 6 | Ladybug Rock Painting | 2 p.m. | Valley Ranch Library
● Aug. 12 | Crochet Basics | 2 p.m. | West Irving Library
● Aug. 16 | Mandala Dot Painting | 6:30 p.m. | South Irving Library
● Aug. 16 | Writers Salon
7 p.m. | West Irving Library | Adults
Writers or readers are all welcome to talk about all things writing.
● Aug. 20 | Build It with LEGOs
2:30 p.m. | West Irving Library | Kids
Children explore their creativity by building structures with blocks, connection straws and more.
● Aug. 25 | Anime Club
2 p.m. | Valley Ranch Library | Ages 13 and older
For teen fans of anime, manga, drawing and more.
Brainfuse Summer Camp
Students in grades 3-12 are invited to spend summer the smart way by having fun and activating their academic skills with the online Brainfuse Summer Skills Camp. The Camp offers live tutoring, mini-lessons and activities in math, science and writing. When school starts back in the fall, children will be more prepared to learn new content instead of reviewing what was learned the previous school year.
Brainfuse is a free online educational service that offers year-round assistance. To access this resource through Irving Public Library, visit HelpNow! powered by Brainfuse, select a grade level and get ready to enrich the long days of summer.
For more information, visit CityofIrving.org/Library to
offer.
Register now for one of Irving’s recreation centers after school programs. Students in elementary school will participate in a variety of activities including homework time, gym games and crafts in a safe, supervised setting. The program is offered on school days between the hours of 3:15 to 6 p.m. at Cimarron, Georgia Farrow, Lee, Mustang, Northwest and Senter Park Recreation Centers.
The cost is $180 per six weeks. Weekly payment plans are also available. Check the nearest neighborhood recreation center for a list of participating schools or to register in person. Enrollment is limited. Online registration is available at CityofIrving.org/IrvingRec n
Irving Public Library now offers a free College Card to students at universities, trade schools and other institutions of higher education in Irving. This card allows students to:
● Borrow e-books, e-media and other digital materials through the library’s digital downloads services.
● Access research databases and e-learning resources.
● Use computers at the library.
● Check out study rooms.
● Use the Make It Yourself (MiY) Zones.
While the College Card does not allow students to borrow physical materials from the library, those who are also Irving residents are welcome to get a Full Access Card, which has access to physical materials. For students who live outside of Irving, they have the option to sign up for a Nonresident Card, which has a $40 annual fee.
To sign up for the College Card, bring a current student photo ID from the institution they attend. If student does not have an ID or if the ID does not include a photo, the student may provide alternative proof of enrollment, such as a letter from the registrar’s office or a current course schedule.
For more information about the College Card and the full list of accepted institutions, visit CityofIrving.org/Library n
Learn all about the Irving Fire Department and explore the life of an Irving firefighter. The Irving Fire Department’s Citizens Fire Academy (CFA) allows residents to put on firefighter gear and participate in hands-on demonstrations such as using a fire hose, climbing the 100-foot truck ladder and using the jaws of life to cut up a vehicle.
The department is accepting CFA applications for the fall session, which starts Sept. 13. Once the fall class is full, remaining applicants will be added to the spring class wait-list. Participants must be at least 18 years old and either live or work in the City of Irving. The classes are open to individuals with all abilities, and participation in the physical activities is not mandatory.
The academy session is eight weeks long. Weekly classes are held from 7 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays, with two weekend classes from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
The department offers the academy twice a year, in the fall and spring. Academy graduates can join the CFA alumni volunteer group to participate in future fire-related community events. CFA is not an accredited fire academy and does not provide any certifications for firefighting or for employment.
Visit IFDSafety.com/CFA to apply and learn more about the academy. For questions, contact the Irving Fire Department’s Public Education Division at (972) 721-4839. n
The Irving Animal Care Campus (IACC) wants to ‘clear out the campus’ this month during NBC Universal’s national adoption event, Clear the Shelters, which returns Aug. 1-31.
During the month of August, interested pet adopters can work with IACC staff and volunteers to find their forever companion at the campus located at 4140 Valley View Lane. Pets 6 months and younger are $100 to adopt, and animals older than 6 months are $85. On Aug. 27, pet adoption fees will be waived for all pets at IACC in celebration of Clear the Shelters.
IACC is open from 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; closed on Sunday and Monday. Adoptions should be processed 30 minutes prior to closing.
Clear the Shelters originated in Irving eight years ago as a one-day event. Now, IACC joins hundreds of animal shelters across the U.S. shining a light on pet adoptions and the importance of local shelters.
Residents can follow the local adoption campaign @IrvingAnimalServices on Facebook and Instagram. For more information and details, visit CityofIrving.org/CleartheShelters or call Irving Animal Services at (972) 721-2256.
Animal lovers also can follow the national campaign at CleartheShelters.com media @ClearTheShelters as #ClearTheShelters #DesocuparLosAlbergues
Irving Fire Department Rebuilding Central Fire Station by 2024
Irving was still in its infancy when the state fire insurance board recommended it would need the assistance of 20 men to serve as its volunteer fire force. A population scant of 400 living just west of Dallas’ reach in the 1920s, Irving was quickly progressing into a thriving town complete with a water system, electric service, school district and a volunteer fire department.
Since its humble beginnings operating one fire engine in a dirt-road town, the Irving Fire Department has flourished. Operating at 12 fire stations across the city’s 68 square miles, 378 sworn firefighters serve more than 256,000 residents. Now, the department is looking to honor its historical beginnings with plans to build a new Central Fire Station in place of the former station at 132 E. Second Street.
The $6.9 million project is still in the initial stages of architectural design and development.
However, the city anticipates that the station’s red bay doors will once again lift and serve the Irving Heritage District by 2024.
Paving the Way
Supply
The first floor of the building held the water district’s office, city jail and a fire truck bay. The second floor housed a courtroom and additional city offices.
In 1939, Irving became the sole owner of the building when the city purchased the water district. In 1952, Irving built three additional fire truck bays, offices, living quarters for the firefighters and a brass fireman’s pole.
After the building ceased to operate as a fire station, the space continued to serve as a health clinic, a book depot for the Friends of the Library, and as leased office space for the Irving Fire and Police Museum Foundation.
Thursday, Aug. 25 6 to 7 p.m.
Heritage Senior Center
200 S. Jefferson St.
Irving began with a small group of volunteers who served as fire personnel in the event of an emergency. The volunteers used a four-wheeled pull cart with a hand-operated pump and a 20-gallon water tank mounted on top, as well as brooms, buckets, a gunny sack, axes and a small ladder. In the evenings, a local student was paid 50 cents to watch for fires in the cotton yard.
The community is invited to view the proposed designs and provide input regarding the new Central Fire Station.
In 1940, the city installed a fire alarm siren on a nearby water tower to alert volunteer firefighters, and it was not until the early 1950s that the city switched to a twoway radio communication system.
As Irving began to flourish in the post-World War II economy, the need arose for an established fire department. Irving operated as an all-volunteer force until 1953, when the city hired its first firefighter and fire marshal. Four additional firefighters were brought on board the following year. By 1958, professional firefighters replaced the volunteer force.
Serving the Community Central Fire Station, formerly “Old Central,” served as a functioning fire station from 1932 to 1985. The building was also a joint project of the Dallas County Irving Fresh
Restoring its Roots
With advancements in technology and sophisticated fire equipment, the nearly century-old building no longer serves the needs of a modern-day fire station. With bays that are too small to house emergency vehicles and equipment and concerns about the structural integrity of the facility, the current building cannot be a functional fire station.
With the safety and efficiency of fire personnel and residential needs at the forefront of their decision-making, the Irving City Council approved the demolition of the current structure, as well as the adjacent Community Building at Jefferson and Second streets.
The new station will house a fire engine and a crew of four firefighters per shift. Due to the size of the lot, the new station, like its predecessor, will be built as a twostory building, with living quarters downstairs, sleeping quarters upstairs, and fire poles installed for quick access to the emergency vehicle below.
Much like the recently constructed Fire Station No. 4, which preserved the history and heritage of the donated Toler family land on which it was built, Central Fire Station will honor its past while serving south Irving’s residents, workers and visitors. A dedicated portion of the station will house historic Irving Fire Department memorabilia, including carefully preserved bricks and a bay door from the original structure.
Visit CityofIrving.org/IrvingInvests for more information on the city’s ongoing infrastructure initiative. n
Permits are required to erect, alter, move, enlarge, replace, demolish or repair a structure or building.
Residents should verify that contractors have obtained proper permits for any work being done. Permits and inspections are required whether the work is done by a contractor or a homeowner. If permits are not obtained, the safety and economic value of the home, building or infrastructure could be affected. It could also delay selling a home or result in fines being assessed.
Once the permit is issued, the City of Irving Inspections Department will conduct inspections to ensure the work meets city codes and ordinances.
What Requires a Permit?
Listed below are the most common types of structures or building alterations that require a permit.
● Accessory buildings (sheds, arbors, pergolas, etc.)
● Adding to or altering a garage or carport
● Additions to a house
● Decks more than 30 inches in height
● Fences
● Flatwork or paving, including a driveway
● Garage conversions to living space
● New electrical wiring, plumbing, heating or air conditioning, or running new lines or pipes
● Patio covers
● Pools, spas or hot tubs (in-ground and above ground)
● Portable buildings or sheds greater than 6 feet in any dimension, including height
● Remodeling or altering any structure
● Reroofing
● Retaining walls more than 30 inches in height
● Solar panels
● Water heaters
To obtain a permit, bring a floor plan of the alteration, permit application and fee to the Inspections Department, 825 W. Irving Blvd. The best way to find out if a permit is needed is to email the Inspections Department at Irving-Permits@cityofirving.org, visit CityofIrving.org/Inspections
