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The Irving Arts Center galleries feature exhibitions from artists and are open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.
Check out activities available at Irving recreation centers including a Teen Driver Safety Fair and Luncheon on Oct. 23 at Lively Pointe Youth Center.
CityofIrving.org
Heritage Park , 217 S. Main St., will set the vibe for the Irving Heritage District. Irving's Parks and Recreation and Capital Improvement Program Departments have redeveloped the space to incorporate new features and technology while maintaining the park’s historic integrity.
Crews hit another project milestone in September with the restoration of the caboose that is on display in the park. A team meticulously reassembled the antique rail car after first stripping it down to the frame. The caboose is now a permanent fixture in the park to honor the significance of the rail road in Irving’s history.
“This place is going to be so much more than a park; it’s going to be a gathering space for families, an entertainment venue for visitors and a must-see destination the entire city should be proud of,” said Irving Mayor Rick Stopfer.
Other structures in the park highlighting Irving’s past are the water tower and the old library building. In August, the century-old water tower was placed atop a newly constructed stone base and now stands at its original height. Renovation work continues on the library building. Something guests will enjoy is the new Pioneer Walk in
the center of the park. A circular path will lead visitors through Irving’s history, told through a series of plaques placed along the walk.
“Heritage Park is going to be the heartbeat of south Irving. The Parks and Recreation Department has some amazing plans to activate the area with large-scale special events and smaller gatherings the whole family can enjoy,” said City Manager Chris Hillman.
As construction on the new entertainment stage and video wall continues, Oncor completed a project to move power lines underground.
Residents can expect to tour the renovated park on Dec. 4 during the city’s signature holiday event. Visit IrvingEvents.org for details on the events planned.
Residents can follow the park’s progress on social media by following @TheCityofIrving on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Visit CityofIrving.org/Parks for more information on the project. n
Irving Community Television Network (ICTN) is celebrating 40 years of community programming in October and, as part of the 40th anniversary, a new logo was developed by the Communications team to pay homage to the past, while looking forward to the future. The two-color logo uses the classic ICTN blue from prior logos with clean lines and interesting typography.
ICTN Museum Display
Irving Archives and Museum (IAM) will feature a special exhibition that highlights ICTN’s history and innovation as part of the 40th anniversary festivities. Visitors will be able to see how the technology has changed, learn how ICTN has evolved and watch historic footage from the ICTN archives.
The free exhibit, “ICTN @ 40,” is located in the Jack D. Huffman Building, 801 W. Irving Blvd., and is available through Oct. 30.
For more information, visit CityofIrving.org/ICTN
See ICTN highlights in City Snapshots on page 5. n
Community. Neighbors. Friends.
Neighborhood associations build stronger neighbor relationships, advocate for positive change in the area and establish an organized voice in city government.
Currently, Irving has 73 registered neighborhood associations within its 67.9 square miles of land area. The City of Irving Communications Department’s Neighborhood Services provides tools and resources for Irving neighbors to network and stay connected with city news and important community information.
Benefits of Neighborhood Associations Irving neighborhood associations foster community spirit by connecting their residents to discuss concerns, participate in localized neighborhood events and programs, and serve as a line of communication between neighbors and the City of Irving.
Additionally, registered associations can apply for a neighborhood grant of up to $1,750 annually that can be used for:
● Beautification projects
● Communication efforts
● Physical improvements
● Social events
● Flags to participate in the annual Great Flag Caper initiative
Start a Neighborhood Association
A neighborhood association is a volunteer-based group in a defined neighborhood boundary. To start a registered neighborhood association:
● Establish a board of directors — president, vice president, secretary and treasurer.
● Write neighborhood association bylaws for general rules and operations of the association.
● Submit the registration form and bylaws to Neighborhood Services.
● For registration questions and assistance, email IrvingNeighborhoods@cityofirving. org
To view the neighborhood association registration form and association tips, visit CityofIrving.org/Neighborhood-Associations
Additionally, residents can view an updated neighborhood association map online at CityofIrving.org/Registered-Associations n
The Irving Fire Department reminds residents that Fire Prevention Week runs Oct. 3-9. Below are several tips residents can follow throughout the year to keep families and homes safe.
Hear a chirp? Residents should check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure the safety devices are working effectively.
Smoke Alarms
● Three loud beeps mean there is smoke or a fire. Get out of the house, and stay out.
● A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds: Change the smoke alarm batteries.
● Chirping after batteries are replaced means the smoke alarm is at the end of its life. Replace units every 10 years.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms
● A continuous set of four beeps means that carbon monoxide is present in the home. Go outside, and call 911.
● A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds: Change the carbon monoxide alarm batteries.
● Chirping after batteries are replaced means the carbon monoxide alarm is at the end of its life. Replace units every 10 years.
Make sure alarms are installed on every level of the home, including outside sleeping areas and inside every bedroom.
Remember: “Hear a beep, get on your feet!” and “Hear a chirp, make a change!”
Visit NFPA.org/FPW for information and fire prevention tips from the National Fire Protection Association. n
Keep Costumes Both Creative and Safe
● Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
● Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
● Carry glow sticks or flashlights to help children see and be seen by drivers.
● When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size and the shoes are comfortable and wellfitting to prevent trips and falls.
Trick-or-Treat With an Adult
● Children 12 years and younger should not be alone at night without adult supervision.
● Avoid long paths by mapping out a route before leaving the house. Stick to paths that are familiar to avoid getting lost.
Walk Safely
● Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look left, right and left again before crossing.
● Put electronic devices down, keep head up and walk, do not run, across the street.
● Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
● Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
● Watch for cars that are turning or backing up.
Drive Safely
● Slow down and stay alert in residential neighborhoods.
● Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., so be especially alert for children during those hours.
UPCOMING OCTOBER PERFORMANCES
Oct. 3 | Mozart Speaks | 3:30 p.m. | $20
Presented by New Philharmonic Orchestra of Irving (NPIO)
Enjoy Sundays at the Symphony as NPOI returns with this season-opening concert.
Oct. 9 | Windy City | 7:30 p.m. | $27.50
Presented by Entertainment Series of Irving Popular nine-piece tribute band performs the hits of Chicago.
Oct. 16 | Lindsay Garritson, Pianist | 7:30 p.m. |
$16.50-$36.50
Presented by Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra Pianist Lindsay Garritson performs selections composed by Mozart.
Oct. 16 | Celebrating Independence Day Awards | 6 p.m. | $12.50-$22.50
Presented by Dallas Bangla UTSHOB
A variety show featuring poetry, dancing and music celebrates Bengalese culture.
Oct. 23 | The Ms. State of Mind Pageant | 7 p.m. | TBA
Presented by Irving Black Arts Council Contestants vie for the crown as they attempt to overcome the forces of jealousy, anger and spite to triumph and ultimately find healing in this gospel comedy play.
Oct. 23 | Star Wars Through the Years | 7:30 p.m. | $38-49
Presented by Irving Symphony Orchestra (ISO)
ISO’s opening concert features music from the iconic space saga, "Star Wars."
Oct. 24 | Reckless | 3 p.m. | $30-$40
Presented by Ballet 5:8 A bold new ballet shines light on a dark subject: human trafficking.
Oct. 30 | The Freedom 21 Concert | 6 p.m. | Free Presented by Christ Embassy Ministry
Live music, praise and spoken word will be performed by local artists expressing what freedom means to them.
YOUTH AND FAMILY PROGRAMS
Oct. 7 | JumpstART Stories & Art: ¡Celebramos!
Bilingual Storytime | 10 a.m. | Free
Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with a special bilingual storytime and arts and crafts activities.
Oct. 9- Nov. 13 | Saturday School | 2 to 4 p.m.
Tuition: $95 per six-week session
Learning the fundamentals of drawing is considered essential to building a foundation in the principles of art and its creation. This class for ages 6-10 offers a fun introduction to basic drawing skills, focusing on the development of observational skills and still-life drawing techniques in graphite, charcoal and ink.
Oct. 10 | Second Sunday Funday: Storytelling with Art 1 to 4 p.m. | Free
Enjoy art-making activities inspired by the books and illustrations of award-winning artists featured in the exhibition: "Our Voice: Celebrating the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Awards."
For more information about all fall activities planned, visit IrvingArtsCenter.com
With more than 60 miles of improved and unimproved alleys across Irving, ongoing maintenance is imperative. While the city takes care of infrastructure and pavement repairs, residents and property owners are responsible for general upkeep of alleys, including:
● Mowing high grass and weeds in excess of 10 inches.
● Removing trash and debris.
● Trimming tree limbs and shrubbery that protrude into the alley way.
● Repairing deteriorated and dilapidated fences.
Voluntary alley maintenance compliance prevents enforcement actions such as:
● A notice of violation.
● A citation.
● Forced abatement.
Visit CityofIrving.org/Code-Enforcement for more information. To report a code violation, call (972) 721-4829 or submit a report online at CityofIrving.org/Code-Complaint n
Free to view. Open Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. No advanced reservation needed. Guided tours offered first Saturday of each month at 12:30 p.m.; advance reservation required. To make a reservation, visit IrvingArtsCenter.com
CONTINUING EXHIBITIONS
Sol Hill: Signal from Noise
Through Oct. 30 | Carpenter Lobby California artist Sol Hill expands the visual repertoire of the medium of digital imaging and the intersection of art, science and spirit.
Robert Batson: New Works (2019-2021) Through Nov. 13 | Courtyard Gallery
Robert Batson is an artist and retired architect with a degree in architecture and a Masters degree in art from the University of Dallas.
NEW EXHIBITIONS
Bob Nunn: A Retrospective
Through Nov. 13 | Main Gallery
Bob Nunn is something of a local legend, both in the world of art and art education. Now retired from teaching, Nunn’s tenure as a professor at Dallas College North Lake Campus lasted more than 30 years. Known for creating imaginative scenes through painting and drawing which appear at once familiar and then not Nunn delights in this playful deception. Nov. 6 | Reception | 2 to 4 p.m.
Yikwon Peter Kim: Inevitable Progression III Through Nov. 13 | Focus Gallery A former pupil of Bob Nunn, Yikwon Kim has been invited to participate in a number of high-profile projects around the world. Nov. 6 | Reception | 2 to 4 p.m.
Our Voice: Celebrating the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Awards Oct. 2 - Feb. 26 | Dupree Lobby Gallery
Organized by the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature in Abilene, Texas, this touring exhibition represents the largest and most comprehensive presentation of Coretta Scott King illustrator awards ever assembled.
Cimarron Park Recreation Center
201 Red River Trail, (972) 910-0702
● Oct. 22 | Haunted Skate Night
6:30 to 9 p.m. | All Ages | Free Children and adults are invited to a night of family fun. Skate to music provided by DJ G. Brown. Skate rental is $5 or bring your own wheels.
Georgia Farrow Recreation Center
530 W. Davis Drive, (972) 721-2519
● Oct. 16 | Pink Walk at Towne Lake Park
9 a.m. to noon | All Ages | Free
An event for breast cancer survivors, family members and friends. Come support breast cancer survivors by spending a morning walking a 2.5K route. Register by Oct. 8. Wear a pink mask or pink hat to receive a gift.
● Oct. 29 | “Boo Bash”
4 to 6 p.m. | Ages 5-14 | Free Join the after-school program along with the neighborhood kids for a “Boo Bash” filled with treats, fun, live music and a cake walk for prizes. Free boo bags will be handed out throughout the event.
Heritage Senior Center
200 S. Jefferson St., (972) 721-2496
● Oct. 26 | Paint and Sip
6 to 7:30 p.m. | Ages 50 and older | $10 Join artist Sharice Williams and create a fall-themed acrylic painting. This class is for all levels of painters; supplies are provided. Come ready for camaraderie and creativity. Register by Oct. 18.
● Oct. 29 | Halloween Trunk or Treat
6 to 8:30 p.m. | All Ages | Free Grandparents and parents, bring your trick-ortreaters to the Heritage Senior Center parking lot. Members will have car trunks decorated to distribute Halloween treats to children in costume as they visit each car. To volunteer as one of the trunks, call the Heritage Senior Center.
Lively Pointe Youth Center
909 N. O’Connor Road, (972) 721-8090
● Oct. 11 and 25 | Irving Youth Action Council (YAC)
6 to 8 p.m. | Grades 8-12 | Free Teens can make a difference in the community by joining the Irving YAC. Members assist with developing teen-specific programs and events, as well as participating in community service projects and leadership initiatives. Interested teens are encouraged to attend one of the open meetings for free food and information on the council.
● Oct. 21 | Halloween Fest
4 to 6 p.m. | Ages 12-17 | Free
A spooky good time awaits at this after-school Halloween party featuring haunted giveaways, eerie games, music, free treats and more.
Lee Park Recreation Center
3000 Pamela Drive, (972) 721-2508
● Oct. 1, 8, 15 and 22 | Parent’s Night Out
6 to 8:30 p.m. | Grades K-5 | $10 due at registration
Parents can take a break while the kids stay busy with a variety of activities. Reservations are required by 1 p.m. each Friday. Dinner will be provided.
● Oct. 7, 8 and 11 | School’s Out Program
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Grades K-5 | $20
Provides an entire day of fun activities and recreation for elementary school children. Lunch is provided.
● Mondays | Full Court Basketball
6 to 8 p.m. | Ages 16-Up | $1 admission
Hoopsters can run full court every Monday night. Identification card is required.
● Oct. 28 | Trick-or-Treat Walk-Thru
9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. | All Ages | Free
Anyone in costume can come by the center and pick up a bag filled with treats.
Northwest Park Recreation Center
2800 Cheyenne St., (972) 721-2529
● Oct. 1, 8, 15 and 22 | Parent’s Night Out
6 to 8:30 p.m. | Grades K-5 | $10 due at registration
Parents can take a break while the kids stay busy with a variety of activities. Reservations are required by 1 p.m. each Friday. Dinner will be provided.
● Oct. 7, 8 and 11 | Kids in Action
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Grades K-5 | $20
When school is out, Kids in Action is in session. Providing an entire day of fun activities and recreation for children. Lunch is provided.
● Oct. 22 | Spooky Pottery Painting
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. | All Ages | Prices vary
Let’s get crafty with painting and family fun. A variety of pottery pieces available starting at $5. All other supplies are provided. Children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Senter Park Recreation Center
901 S. Senter Road, (972) 972-2641
● Oct. 15 | Boo! Spooky Movie Night 6 to 8:45 p.m. | Grade 3-6 | Free Come out to Spooky Movie Night with games, refreshments and movie watching. Bring a blanket or towel. Space is limited. Reserve a spot by Oct. 13.
Oct. 5 | National Night Out: Touch-a-Truck Block Party
6 to 8 p.m. | South Irving Library, 601 Schulze Drive Attend a night of fun with family, friends and neighbors. Take a tour of city vehicles, ride around on a trackless train and enjoy some cotton candy for National Night Out. For all ages.
Oct. 9 | Saturday Chalk and Bubbles
2 p.m. | South Irving Library
Children can have outdoor fun in the sun by blowing bubbles and drawing sidewalk chalk artwork. Participate at the library or take supplies to enjoy at home.
Oct. 9 | A World Space Week Saturday
Noon to 4 p.m. | South Irving Library
Join the celebration of World Space Week with the award-winning National Space Society (NSS) of North Texas Chapter. Chapter president Ken Ruffin will present “The Future of Space Flight,” and NSS members will be available to answer questions.
Oct. 23 | Leave It, Move It, Roll It, Take It 10 a.m. | Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron Trail
Speaker Brooke Bradley, CRPC® Financial Advisor, will help jobseekers and retirees evaluate retirement goals, potential investment strategies and maximize the assets in employer-sponsored retirement savings plans.
Oct. 25-31 | Trick-or-Read Storywalk
South Irving, West Irving and Valley Ranch Libraries
Families can stroll and enjoy a spooky picture book story around the South Irving Library, Bird’s Fort Trail near Valley Ranch Library and around the West Irving Library. During open business hours, kids can pick up a special treat bag at the reference desk inside the library after participating in the storywalk. While supplies last.
Hallowreads
This October, Irving Public Library presents month-long festivities dedicated to the classic Gothic ghost story “The Turn of the Screw” by Henry James. Adults are invited to celebrate with free books, crafts and book discussions. While supplies last.
Craftastic! Ghost Crafts Craft a spooky work of art to create a personal haunted mansion.
● Oct. 15 | 2 p.m. | Adults | West Irving Library
● Oct. 16 | 4 p.m. | Adults | Valley Ranch Library
● Oct. 23 | 4 p.m. | Adults | Valley Ranch Library
Oct. 19 | Craftastic! Deco Mesh Wreath
6:30 p.m. | Adults | South Irving Library
Create a colorful wreath to use in Halloween décor.
Oct. 30 | Hallowreads Book Discussion
4 p.m. | Adults | Valley Ranch Library
Discuss the 2021 Hallowreads book selection, “The Turn of the Screw,” by Henry James.
Driver
The Irving Public Library has launched a new resource for young learners and caregivers, Little STEAMers Backpacks!
Each backpack kit is an early literacy tool geared for children ages 3-6 and their families that incorporates STEAM Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math learning in an interactive format. Each kit includes books, games and activities to support learning a particular concept. Supplies vary at each library location. Stop by to see availability.
Because the Little STEAMers Backpacks are expected to be in high demand, there are a few limitations on their use so that more families have an opportunity to check them out: ● Limit one backpack at a time per family ● Checkout period is 10 days with no renewals ● Backpacks cannot be placed on hold
Before returning, consult the information card on the back of each backpack to check that all pieces are accounted for. It is the borrower’s responsibility to replace or pay for any missing items.
Due to their size, Little STEAMers backpacks must be returned to a service desk inside the buildings. They will not fit in the library’s bookdrop slots.
Many thanks to the Friends of the Irving Library, Irving ShareTank and the Zvonecek Family Memorial Fund for making this project possible. n
Every minute, 20 people are physically abused by an intimate partner, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Domestic violence is a universal silent crime affecting all people, regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, religion, nationality or socio-economic status.
Residents are invited to honor and remember domestic violence survivors and victims during the city’s annual Illuminate Irving — a night of remembrance and hope on Oct. 19 at Millennium Park, 201 Sowers Road.
Starting at 6:30 p.m., guests can personalize a lantern that will be included in a lantern release later in the evening. The event will also include a ceremony provided by the Irving Police Department (IPD) and the Family Advocacy Center (FAC), as well as community resources from local organizations.
For more event details, visit CityofIrving.org/Illuminate
Stop the Silence, Show Support with Purple October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month. The FAC and IPD invite residents, Irving businesses and the surrounding community to show their support for victims and survivors with purple throughout the month. Participants can use purple string lights or porch lights, or wear a purple ribbon or attire.
Additionally, follow @IrvingPD in October for domestic violence safety tips and resources. n
Looking for things that go bump in the night? Come out to Eerie Irving Oct. 30 from 5 to 10 p.m. at Trinity View Park, 2221 E. State Highway 356. Irving Parks and Recreation has invited the city’s ghouls, ghosts and not-so-scary monsters to thrill, shock and entertain.
This year, visitors will walk-thru a series of enclosed and open-air haunted scenes, including a meat factory, graveyard and ancient Egypt-themed room.
For the younger goblins and guests, the event will feature a variety of carnival-style games, a pumpkin patch for Instagrammable moments and other attractions.
With limited capacity, once the event parking lots are full for the event, entry will no longer be allowed to safely maintain control of traffic flow. Offsite parking is not available on city or neighborhood streets.
The City of Irving is sensitive to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Should circumstances change and prevent the event as planned, alternative details will be announced on the city website.
Visit IrvingEvents.org for more information on Eerie Irving. n
Many daily activities produce pollutants that can contaminate local waterways. Stormwater flows over hard surfaces such as roofs, sidewalks and driveways. It picks up pollutants along the way that often contain pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, automotive fluids, pool chemicals, sediment, yard waste and pet waste. In order to keep the creeks and rivers flowing clean and clear, the only thing that belongs in the storm drain is rain.
To spotlight the “only rain down the drain” message, the City of Irving Capital Improvement Program Department is targeting yard waste. Blowing grass clippings, leaf debris and other yard waste into a nearby storm drain can have a catastrophic effect on both water quality and quantity. Nutrients in fertilized grass and turf are a key contributor to the development of harmful algae blooms that have a devastating effect on local water quality. These algae blooms start to decay after the nutrients have been consumed, and the bacteria that breaks everything down consumes excessive dissolved oxygen in the water, which can cause dead zones and fish kills through hypoxia.
Large clumps of grass clippings, leaves, sticks and other yard waste also clog storm pipes, which can lead to flooding during rainstorms and produce unpleasant odors as the organic material decays in the pipes. A city ordinance prohibits introducing these and other such pollutants into the storm drain system.
Best practices regarding yard waste:
● Blow grass clippings back into the yard to preserve nutrients.
● Bag, mulch or compost excess leaves.
● Reduce the amount of fertilizer that is placed on the lawn.
● Do not blow anything down the storm drain.
Local waterways, such as streams, creeks and lakes, provide food, water and recreation for the community. Pollutants can increase the cost of water treatment, deter those seeking enjoyment from recreational areas and harm local wildlife either directly or by disrupting ecosystems.
Tips for preventing stormwater pollution:
● Repair leaking vehicles.
● Bag pet waste.
● Properly dispose of trash.
● Wash vehicles at a commercial car wash.
● Drain pool water into a sanitary sewer clean-out.
● Use pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers sparingly, or look for safer alternatives.
● Prevent yard waste from entering the street or storm drains.
● Dispose of household hazardous waste (oil, paint, batteries, light bulbs, grease, etc.) properly.
Visit CityofIrving.org/3143/Pollution-Prevention for more information about preventing stormwater pollution, including resources for proper disposal of waste materials. n
Oct. 23 is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Irving residents can dispose of unused or expired prescriptions from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day in the parking lot at the Irving Police Department stations: 305 N. O’Connor Road and 6800 N. MacArthur Blvd. (Medical City Las Colinas).
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is an initiative of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and is aimed at preventing addiction and overdose caused by prescription drugs. For more information on the national event, visit TakeBackDay.DEA.gov
For those who cannot attend the national event, the Irving Police Department established a medication disposal program for residents to drop off unwanted or expired medications in a safe environment. The medical disposal receptacle is available 24/7 year-round at 305 N. O’Connor Road. The drop box is a free service for Irving residents only.
Residents can drop off the following prescription medications:
● Narcotics (Oxycodone, Vicodin, etc.)
● Medication samples
● Medication for pets
● Medicated ointments/lotions
● Over-the-counter medications
● EpiPens (unopened)
● Vitamins
● Inhalers
The following items are not accepted:
● Needles and syringes
● Thermometers
● IV bags or bloody or infectious waste
● Personal care products
● Aerosol cans
● Hydrogen peroxide or other chemicals
● Used EpiPens
● Iodine solutions
● Radioactive materials
● Products containing mercury
If dropping off prescription medications, remove any personal identification information from the bottles.
For more information on the Irving medication disposal program, visit CityofIrving.org/3366/ Medication-Disposal-Program n
TRASH, RECYCLE BAG PRICES INCREASE
Effective Oct. 1, the price of trash and recycling bags sold by the City of Irving will increase due to higher production costs. The price increases are a result of increasing resin costs from the material supplier of the city’s bag vendor. The new price includes sales tax.
New Trash and Recycling Bag Pricing
● Heavy-duty black trash bags | $10 50-count roll
● Heavy-duty blue recycling bags | $15 50-count roll
Trash and recycling bags will continue to be available for purchase using cash, credit or debit card at the vending machine at City Hall, 825 W. Irving Blvd. The vending machine is located to the left of Customer Service on the first floor. In addition, residents can still purchase the bags from Customer Service. Recycling bags also are for sale at Irving recreation centers.
For more information about trash or recycling bags, call Solid Waste Services at (972) 721-8059. n
During the February winter storms in Texas, the City of Irving’s Traffic and Transportation Department used proactive measures to keep hazardous road conditions to a minimum for drivers and emergency personnel. The city was instrumental in extending traffic signals 16 to 18 hours into the winter weather event thanks to the Traffic Operations Center (TOC) — one of Irving’s largest smart cities initiatives — and the traffic signal battery backup system.
Construction on the TOC began in 2017. Since then, the city has installed 100% of its planned back-up batteries — 210 in total. Currently, the city is in maintenance mode with the program, including replacing batteries and testing the system annually.
The Traffic and Transportation Department keeps the traffic signals working with as little interruption to service as possible. Additionally, the department aims to mitigate unnecessary police and fire calls for traffic control at intersections.
Many drivers may be unaware of how to proceed in a dark intersection with no operating traffic lights. Additionally, if a driver is distracted and there are no flashing red lights, they may continue through the intersection without braking or stopping. During the winter storm, while streetlights, homes and businesses lost power, many Irving intersections relied on the battery backup program to flash red lights for a four-way stop. This was especially critical to emergency services, which were already facing a high volume of dispatch calls.
Before the TOC and the installation of backup batteries, drivers would notify dispatch if traffic lights were not operating, and emergency services personnel would notify the Traffic and Transportation Department to send a technician to the scene.
In February, 109,000 minutes of battery power were used, while in the month before, the city used 1,249 minutes of battery power.
The battery backup system can withstand extreme temperatures and is a reliable tool to keep signals in operation during power outages. The backup power supply keeps traffic signals operating for six to eight hours and then in flash mode for four hours.
With the TOC now in place, traffic signal technicians can monitor all parts of the system remotely with a laptop. This remote monitoring helps staff identify opportunities for improvements to signal operations. Automatic notification of signal malfunctions, including power outages and flashing operations, alert on-call personnel outside of normal working hours so they can swiftly address the issue.
The new program has prevented 85% to 90% of afterhour calls to a traffic technician.
Visit CityofIrving.org/2255/IrvingInvests for more information on the city’s ongoing infrastructure initiative. n
The City of Irving’s Solid Waste Services Department reminds residents the household items that can be recycled in the city’s Blue Bag Program. All recyclable items should go in a transparent blue bag for curbside recycling. Blue bags can be purchased at city recreation facilities and City Hall, 825 W. Irving Blvd.
On collection day:
● Blue bags must be placed on the curb by 7 a.m.
● Bags cannot exceed 50 pounds.
● Large cardboard boxes should be flattened and placed under a blue bag.
Plastics #1-3, 5-7*
Recyclable plastics have a recycling symbol printed on the bottom and number stamped in the center of the symbol. The number is a resin identification code, used to help sort materials.
Plastics #4 which includes items such as grocery, produce and frozen food bags can be returned to most grocery stores and placed in a container usually located near the entrance.
Plastic containers need to be rinsed before they are placed in blue bags, without caps or lids.
For more information, visit CityofIrving.org/Recycling or call (972) 721-8059. n
The City of Irving Solid Waste Services Department continues to experience a staffing shortage that impacts recycling, brush and bulky collection services. Irving has proactively recruited to fill the necessary positions for solid waste collection services, and the staffing situation has improved. However, several positions remain open, and surges in service demands impact day-to-day operations. Solid Waste Services employees are working to keep up with the demand.
As a result, residents will continue to experience collection delays. Trash collection is prioritized, which delays collection of recycling and brush and bulky items when demand surges. If recycling is not collected on its scheduled collection day, residents should leave blue recycling bags at the curb for collection on the following schedule:
If brush/bulky is not
on
in May.
