Allen City Council met on Tuesday, Nov. 8. Read on for the highlights and approved projects. The full agenda and meeting video are available here.
Community Development Block Grant annual report
At the November 8 meeting, Planning Manager Erin Jones presented an annual report for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.
This annual report outlines how funds from this grant program were used during the past year and provides an opportunity to see how these funds are benefitting the Allen community.
The CDBG includes several programs that each use funds in different ways. The home repair program uses funds to improve and repair existing homes to make them more livable for residents. For example, one resident with mobility challenges received a shower remodel so they could better access the shower on their own.
Other parts of the CDBG program includes public service funding to Allen families in need and providing education and resources on affordable housing, homeownership, fair housing laws and lead-based paint.
Over the past year, the CDBG program was responsible for:
- 15 completed home repairs
- Assisting 30 individuals with educational resources
- Providing 74 Allen families with rent and utility assistance
- Over 17 referrals to other service agencies
In addition, the CDBG program partnered with several other City of Allen initiatives, including:
- Live. Love. Allen. – 18 total projects, 81 volunteers who served 365 hours
- Property Improvement Program – seven projects completed across the city
The CDBG program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide decent, safe and affordable housing and a suitable living environment by expanding economic and educational opportunities for low- and moderate-income persons.
Read more about the CDBG program.
Water mains in Timbercreek and Allenwood to be replaced
City council also approved a contract for the design of replacement water mains in the Timbercreek and Allenwood neighborhoods for $384,900.
These water mains were determined to have exceeded their life expectancy and repeated maintenance demands now warrant their replacement.
With the design process beginning soon, this project is expected to be completed in September 2024. Construction activity is expected to begin in December 2023.
Pictured: A map of the Timbercreek and Allenwood watermain replacement project
Allen Police and Fire Departments to receive new public safety equipment
City Council has approved the purchase of several new pieces of public safety equipment.
Allen’s Police and Fire fleet will soon receive new vehicle routers and antennas, which will provide integrated GPS systems to help dispatchers improve vehicle routing and decision-making. The new routers also have 5G capability, which provides increased speed and reliability, as well as the ability to stream vehicle and bodycam video directly to the cloud.
Allen’s current vehicle routing technology has reached the end of its service life and will no longer be supported by the vendor.
This new router equipment will cost $152,830.
Allen Fire Department will also receive new protective equipment after councilmembers approved the purchase for a total of $205,000.
This new equipment includes new bunker gear – the daily protective gear firefighters wear – and new body armor.
Bunker gear has a maximum lifespan of 10 years, but when used in front-line service, may only last for five years. Therefore, each year, the Fire Department purchases new gear for one-fifth of the department on a rotating basis.
The new body armor equipment includes trauma plates and helmets and will be used in the event that the Fire Department needs to participate in a coordinated response activity with the Police Department.
Roof replacement for several City facilities approved
City council has approved the replacement of three city facility roofs.
In 2021, 36 city facilities were inspected to ensure their roofs were in good condition. After inspecting all facilities, Allen Police Headquarters, Allen Senior Recreation Center and the Municipal Service Center were found in need of new roofing.
During the November 8 meeting, councilmembers approved the replacement of these three roofs for the total cost of $1,070,927.
Mayors Proclamations: Veterans Day, Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week
During the November 8 City Council meeting, Mayor Ken Fulk presented a Veterans Day proclamation to members of VFW Post 2195, including Councilmember Dave Cornette, who were recognized for their service and sacrifice.
Pictured: Mayor Fulk, Councilmember Cornette and members of VFW Post 2195 with a Veterans Day proclamation
Mayor Fulk also proclaimed November 13-19 Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. This proclamation was presented to members of the Collin County Homeless Coalition.
This week highlights the difficulty and loneliness experienced by those experiencing homelessness and encourages action by those who have the resources to help.
Pictured: Mayor Fulk presenting a proclamation for Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week to members of the Collin County Homeless Coalition
Follow council news and future meetings
Allen City Council meets at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month. Meetings are held in Council Chambers at Allen City Hall (305 Century Parkway). A calendar of upcoming meetings is available on the City website.
To receive a link to upcoming meetings by email, visit CityofAllen.org/NotifyMe and sign up for City Meeting Notices. Meeting agendas are posted at least 72 hours prior to each meeting. Agenda links are provided within the meeting details of each calendar listing and at CityofAllen.org/Agendas.