Here is the exact text of the Transportation Commission's motion:
Move to recommend to the Town Council approval of the Morriss/Gerault Capacity Improvement Project with the following design, engineering, and implementation elements as follows:
(1) the project be designed and constructed in one phase with a recommendation to the Town Council to prioritize improvements to intersections and safety features;
(2) during design the Town will identify visibility issues that may create safety problems and identify solutions that consider both impacts and benefits, including access issues;
(3) explore improvements and enhancements to the below grade crossing;
(4) replace existing perimeter screening fences with the Town-standard wooden fence, and/or explore other fencing options and other methods to mitigate sound impacts;
(5) install trees, sod, irrigation, and decorative plantings in the medians and rights-of-way, with the focus being on the full-width median sections;
(6) commit to establishing the lowest lawful speed limit throughout the corridor;
(7) program the installation of any new warranted signals;
(8) enhance the pedestrian routes throughout the corridor, specifically for school-related pedestrian activity to include pedestrian actuated flashers, reviewing the location of school cross walks, and reviewing with Lewisville Independent School District the pedestrian and vehicular access at schools;
(9) consider ideas that will address safety issues near any schools in the area;
(10) that Town staff review additional input from neighborhood groups, convened for the purpose of additional input during the engineering and design phases of the project;
(11) and that median pedestrian barriers be considered in the design of the project at all areas deemed high pedestrian areas, as determined by professional staff.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
This could be your fence
Here is a picture that was sent to me by Matt P. He says he took it saturday morning. It appears that someone jumped the curb and smacked the wood fence just about 100 feet south of some Stop Morriss 6 signs. Luckily it was just a fence.
Important Reminder
Just to keep this fresh in everyones mind, Please plan on attending Tuesdays Transportation Commission Public Hearing. I know it is a days after a Holiday and its winding down to the last week of school, but THIS IS OUR PUBLIC HEARING.
This is our chance to ask and be answered, express our opinion on this very important issue. See the post below with all the details. See you there and have a safe holiday weekend.
This is our chance to ask and be answered, express our opinion on this very important issue. See the post below with all the details. See you there and have a safe holiday weekend.
Friday, May 22, 2009
The Vote
After a few weeks of digging and lots of hard work, Scott has compiled the data from the election and as we expected, citizens that live along the Morriss corridor had a huge impact on the election. The data showed that in previous elections, the Bridlewood area and West Flower Mound tended to have a higher percentage of voters represent their areas and those voters in the Morriss corridor seemed to have a lower percentage of registered voters turn out. This is probably because in the past few years Western FM and Bridlewood had specific issues that effected them
Up until this year our area really didn't have specific issues or causes that drew them to the polls. We changed that.
Here is some of the data.
Precinct 303, Central Morriss, SE (Tealwood Oaks area)
143 votes cast, a 53 vote increase over the 2008 election.
There are 4336 registered voters and 68 first time may election voters, 5 first time ever voters. Thank you all so much.
Precinct 304, Central Morriss, NE (north of forest vista, east side of Morriss)
364 votes cast, a 145 increase over the 2008 election.
There are 3919 registered voters and 118 first time May election voters. 6 first time ever voters. Thanks you all so much.
Precinct 320, Central Morriss, West (west side of Morriss to 2499)
442 votes cast, a 193 increase over the 2008 election. (highest vote count in town)
There are 4279 registered voters and 161 first time May election voters. 5 first time ever voters. Thank you all so much.
precinct 323, North Morriss, (east of Morriss, north of 1171)
90 votes cast, 5 votes less than in 2008.
There are 2531 registered voters and 25 first time May election voters. 2 first time ever voters. Thank you all so much, there is a lot of work to do in this area.
Precinct 307, North Morriss (west of Morriss and north of College, South of Dixon)
266 votes cast, a 34 increase over 2008 election.
There are 4336 Registered voters and 68 first time May election voters. 5 first time ever voters. Thank you all so much.
Precinct 314 North Morriss (north of Dixon , south of 407)
121 votes cast, 12 less than in 2008.
there are 2572 registered voters and 38 first time May election voters. No new voters. Thank you all so much, lots of work needed in this area.
Precinct 317 Gerault, (south of 3040)
266 votes cast, a 46 vote decrease from 2008
There are 3805 registered voters and 68 first time May election voters and 2 first time ever voters. Thank you all so much.
A few other stats, a 3 percent increase in votes cast over 2008. There are 41361 registered voters in FM. There was a 2 percent increase in first time may voters.
This all shows out power to help shape the future of our town. We need to start working on the other 38,000 registered voters for the next town election.
Up until this year our area really didn't have specific issues or causes that drew them to the polls. We changed that.
Here is some of the data.
Precinct 303, Central Morriss, SE (Tealwood Oaks area)
143 votes cast, a 53 vote increase over the 2008 election.
There are 4336 registered voters and 68 first time may election voters, 5 first time ever voters. Thank you all so much.
Precinct 304, Central Morriss, NE (north of forest vista, east side of Morriss)
364 votes cast, a 145 increase over the 2008 election.
There are 3919 registered voters and 118 first time May election voters. 6 first time ever voters. Thanks you all so much.
Precinct 320, Central Morriss, West (west side of Morriss to 2499)
442 votes cast, a 193 increase over the 2008 election. (highest vote count in town)
There are 4279 registered voters and 161 first time May election voters. 5 first time ever voters. Thank you all so much.
precinct 323, North Morriss, (east of Morriss, north of 1171)
90 votes cast, 5 votes less than in 2008.
There are 2531 registered voters and 25 first time May election voters. 2 first time ever voters. Thank you all so much, there is a lot of work to do in this area.
Precinct 307, North Morriss (west of Morriss and north of College, South of Dixon)
266 votes cast, a 34 increase over 2008 election.
There are 4336 Registered voters and 68 first time May election voters. 5 first time ever voters. Thank you all so much.
Precinct 314 North Morriss (north of Dixon , south of 407)
121 votes cast, 12 less than in 2008.
there are 2572 registered voters and 38 first time May election voters. No new voters. Thank you all so much, lots of work needed in this area.
Precinct 317 Gerault, (south of 3040)
266 votes cast, a 46 vote decrease from 2008
There are 3805 registered voters and 68 first time May election voters and 2 first time ever voters. Thank you all so much.
A few other stats, a 3 percent increase in votes cast over 2008. There are 41361 registered voters in FM. There was a 2 percent increase in first time may voters.
This all shows out power to help shape the future of our town. We need to start working on the other 38,000 registered voters for the next town election.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Smart Growth failures?
FLOWER MOUND PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MEETING OF JULY 28, 2008
Vice Chairman Wallace said he appreciated everyone’s patience as they went through the process of going line by line on SMARTGrowth. He thought it was their duty as a planning and zoning commission to evaluate these types of projects against what was in their Code of Ordinances. In the final analysis, he only saw three failures for SMARTGrowth, and two of those were in Environmental Quality. Given they qualified as an economic development, incentives could be allowed, and they could request waivers from those two, so it really came down to one, which was the arterial and collector links. That one link was Morriss, because everything else was a state road and exempt from SMARTGrowth. So, the question in his mind was whether they voted to deny this project with all the benefits and value of the hospital, and the destination aspect of it, the high quality retail, the restaurants, the cafes, the amenities being the river walk and Central Park, the jobs, the reforestation, the revenue, the tax base, and the TIRZ impact. He was sorry, but one failure on SMARTGrowth for that one link on that one road to him was not worth denying this whole project.
This was an excerpt from a P&Z commission meeting last summer. Its amazing that even then the commissioners and future town council members used the word failure several times. The fact that allowing The Riverwalk project to be approved would go against most principles of the towns holy grail, Smartgrowth. There are only 2 real aspects that exist today, The Hospital and Morriss Road.
Unfortunately, they chose to exempt RiverWalk from the realm of SmartGrowth but when it came to Morriss, the reason for any talk of it was because SmartGrowth REQUIRES proper infrastructure improvements because of RiverWalk. Shouldn't the words SmartGrowth be exempt from any mention of anything that has to do with RiverWalk? Its only fair.
I have heard the argument that whats the big deal. Once 2499 and 1171 are complete and improvements to 407 and all the other, pardon the expression "concrete" town road projects are complete, there won't be that much traffic on a 6 lane Morriss Rd. You wouldn't believe who uttered that statement if I told you, so I won't.
The idea of high end retail and restaurants and cafes and the countless jobs that will be created out weigh all of this. Maybe in 10 years when our economy improves we will see that. But being able to get MORE cars, MORE trucks to the Champs Elysees of Flower Mound? Is that what matters?
Vice Chairman Wallace said he appreciated everyone’s patience as they went through the process of going line by line on SMARTGrowth. He thought it was their duty as a planning and zoning commission to evaluate these types of projects against what was in their Code of Ordinances. In the final analysis, he only saw three failures for SMARTGrowth, and two of those were in Environmental Quality. Given they qualified as an economic development, incentives could be allowed, and they could request waivers from those two, so it really came down to one, which was the arterial and collector links. That one link was Morriss, because everything else was a state road and exempt from SMARTGrowth. So, the question in his mind was whether they voted to deny this project with all the benefits and value of the hospital, and the destination aspect of it, the high quality retail, the restaurants, the cafes, the amenities being the river walk and Central Park, the jobs, the reforestation, the revenue, the tax base, and the TIRZ impact. He was sorry, but one failure on SMARTGrowth for that one link on that one road to him was not worth denying this whole project.
This was an excerpt from a P&Z commission meeting last summer. Its amazing that even then the commissioners and future town council members used the word failure several times. The fact that allowing The Riverwalk project to be approved would go against most principles of the towns holy grail, Smartgrowth. There are only 2 real aspects that exist today, The Hospital and Morriss Road.
Unfortunately, they chose to exempt RiverWalk from the realm of SmartGrowth but when it came to Morriss, the reason for any talk of it was because SmartGrowth REQUIRES proper infrastructure improvements because of RiverWalk. Shouldn't the words SmartGrowth be exempt from any mention of anything that has to do with RiverWalk? Its only fair.
I have heard the argument that whats the big deal. Once 2499 and 1171 are complete and improvements to 407 and all the other, pardon the expression "concrete" town road projects are complete, there won't be that much traffic on a 6 lane Morriss Rd. You wouldn't believe who uttered that statement if I told you, so I won't.
The idea of high end retail and restaurants and cafes and the countless jobs that will be created out weigh all of this. Maybe in 10 years when our economy improves we will see that. But being able to get MORE cars, MORE trucks to the Champs Elysees of Flower Mound? Is that what matters?
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Transportation Commission Public Hearing
Please add to your calendars next tuesday, May 26th at 630pm, The public hearing regarding Morriss Rd project. This is our opportunity to hopefully hear some new data from the town staff and then have an chance to ask direct questions of the commission and town staff and they can comment back directly to you. Please take this time to formulate your specific questions for this part of the presentation. We ask that you type your questions so you can present a copy to the town secretary so it can be entered directly into the public record. After the question and answer session, there will a a segment for you to express your comments as far as your approval or disapproval of the project. During this portion we also ask you to have your comments type written. If you want to read what you typed, that is fine or you can make a comment and submit a written statement for the public record. If you cannot attend the public hearing, you voice can still be heard. We will publish the procedure for you to follow and how to submit by email your comments.
Either way, we want to have a huge showing, so please make it a point to come out to town hall for this extremely important forum.
We would like to thank the town for holding this public hearing and hope it is the first of many such public forums. If you do not have a specific question, we will have a list of questions that you can get up and ask, so come on out and see one of us for the list.
Thanks again for all the support and know that we are making a huge difference and they are listening to what we have to say. We will also have voters registration forms available for anyone needing to be ready for the next election.
Either way, we want to have a huge showing, so please make it a point to come out to town hall for this extremely important forum.
We would like to thank the town for holding this public hearing and hope it is the first of many such public forums. If you do not have a specific question, we will have a list of questions that you can get up and ask, so come on out and see one of us for the list.
Thanks again for all the support and know that we are making a huge difference and they are listening to what we have to say. We will also have voters registration forms available for anyone needing to be ready for the next election.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
E Mail to TX Dot
I just sent the following email to the Texas Transportation Commission of TX Dot.
I respectfully request any data regarding public comment and or discussion passed on to TX Dot regarding the funding of the expansion of Morriss/Gerault Rd in Flower Mound. A request for funding from the 121Toll for this project was submitted to you. We as citizens, and upon your request I can provide written testimony from 500 residents, that adequate public discussion was not solicited. I request that documentation be provided, if not I request an independent public meeting be held by members of the TX dot board before any funds be released to the town of Flower Mound. Respectfully, Kim A. Berg
I respectfully request any data regarding public comment and or discussion passed on to TX Dot regarding the funding of the expansion of Morriss/Gerault Rd in Flower Mound. A request for funding from the 121Toll for this project was submitted to you. We as citizens, and upon your request I can provide written testimony from 500 residents, that adequate public discussion was not solicited. I request that documentation be provided, if not I request an independent public meeting be held by members of the TX dot board before any funds be released to the town of Flower Mound. Respectfully, Kim A. Berg
Friday, May 15, 2009
New Council, Same Fight
Last night the new town council was sworn in during a special town council meeting. Details can be seen on FM TV for those that did not attend.
Now that the election is behind us and we are tabulating the results as far as the logistics of the vote. We will post that part of the results as soon as we can. We hope to demonstrate the effect of the Morriss Corridor as far as voter turn out.
One thing we want the town to know and for all of our supporters and those who don't, that we are NOT going away.
In last fridays edition of "The Dallas Morning News" Metro section, reporter Wendy Hundley wrote, "Plan to widen road to 6 lanes forges split in Flower Mound". We would like to thank Ms. Hundley for the story and information that was reported to the entire Metroplex.
Michael Ryan, the town's director of community affairs said, "This is a quality of life issue, its about improving local trips as well as regional commutes,and allowing residents to spend less time in their cars and more time at home with their families." Town officials say the growth of the southern Denton County community requires roadway expansion to avoid traffic gridlock and congestion.
Quality of Life? Has that not been our call for the last 3 months? Quality of Life, I googled that phrase to find a definition, there isn't one. What does quality of life mean to you?
For me? related to the effects of my "quality if life" living 2 doors from a 6 lane major thoroughfare, does not constitute very much quality at all. I see it as a decrease in my quality of life. More pollution? More Noise? More anxiety knowing that I have to cross 3 lanes of oncoming traffic and hoping I can safely merge into the other 3 lanes in order to get to work? More cement? Less tree and grass? Less feel of a real community? Having to have to live with all that severely diminishes my "quality of life". The extra 45 seconds I might have to spend in my car every day because I'm only driving on a 4 lane road as opposed to a 6 lane major arterial roadway, doesn't even cause a blip in my scheme of life.
So Town Officials, Town Council Members, who's quality of life are you more concerned for? Residents of Highland Village? Developers of the Riverwalk? Please answer that question. The town would not receive a black mark on its record if we chose to return the unused money after we improve the intersection at 1171, construct the international parkway flyover, make other improvements without total expansion. Think how much better your "quality of life" will be when you go to sleep knowing you did the right thing for the community. Do the right thing and wait till the time is right.
Now that the election is behind us and we are tabulating the results as far as the logistics of the vote. We will post that part of the results as soon as we can. We hope to demonstrate the effect of the Morriss Corridor as far as voter turn out.
One thing we want the town to know and for all of our supporters and those who don't, that we are NOT going away.
In last fridays edition of "The Dallas Morning News" Metro section, reporter Wendy Hundley wrote, "Plan to widen road to 6 lanes forges split in Flower Mound". We would like to thank Ms. Hundley for the story and information that was reported to the entire Metroplex.
Michael Ryan, the town's director of community affairs said, "This is a quality of life issue, its about improving local trips as well as regional commutes,and allowing residents to spend less time in their cars and more time at home with their families." Town officials say the growth of the southern Denton County community requires roadway expansion to avoid traffic gridlock and congestion.
Quality of Life? Has that not been our call for the last 3 months? Quality of Life, I googled that phrase to find a definition, there isn't one. What does quality of life mean to you?
For me? related to the effects of my "quality if life" living 2 doors from a 6 lane major thoroughfare, does not constitute very much quality at all. I see it as a decrease in my quality of life. More pollution? More Noise? More anxiety knowing that I have to cross 3 lanes of oncoming traffic and hoping I can safely merge into the other 3 lanes in order to get to work? More cement? Less tree and grass? Less feel of a real community? Having to have to live with all that severely diminishes my "quality of life". The extra 45 seconds I might have to spend in my car every day because I'm only driving on a 4 lane road as opposed to a 6 lane major arterial roadway, doesn't even cause a blip in my scheme of life.
So Town Officials, Town Council Members, who's quality of life are you more concerned for? Residents of Highland Village? Developers of the Riverwalk? Please answer that question. The town would not receive a black mark on its record if we chose to return the unused money after we improve the intersection at 1171, construct the international parkway flyover, make other improvements without total expansion. Think how much better your "quality of life" will be when you go to sleep knowing you did the right thing for the community. Do the right thing and wait till the time is right.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Town Reception for New Council Members
The Town will host a reception for the new Town Council members this Thursday. It is not on the Town website yet but let's show up as a group to welcome our new council members.
Date: Thursday, May 14
Time: 5:00-6:00 pm
Location: Town Hall
Date: Thursday, May 14
Time: 5:00-6:00 pm
Location: Town Hall
As promised
Since the election is over, I have re-opened the ability for anonymous to post comments here on the blog. We do exercise the right to remove any post that is considered to be inappropriate, we are a believer in free speech.
I would also like to encourage neighbors to join the blog and join us. Very soon we will have MORE yard signs available and an easier way to distribute them. Also we are always looking for people to join in our core group and communications teams and are always looking for better ways to get information out as quickly as possible. If you can help, write us at either stopmorris6@googlemail.com or morrissnixsix@verizon.net . Also if you don't know already how to get in touch with us by phone, its very easy to figure it out without me publishing phone numbers here.
We have lots of work to do and look forward to having many of you join us.
I would also like to encourage neighbors to join the blog and join us. Very soon we will have MORE yard signs available and an easier way to distribute them. Also we are always looking for people to join in our core group and communications teams and are always looking for better ways to get information out as quickly as possible. If you can help, write us at either stopmorris6@googlemail.com or morrissnixsix@verizon.net . Also if you don't know already how to get in touch with us by phone, its very easy to figure it out without me publishing phone numbers here.
We have lots of work to do and look forward to having many of you join us.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Congratulations to our new Council Members
I would like to take this opportunity to be one the first (on this blog)
to congratulate our newly elected Councilmembers Tom Hayden, Steve
Dixon and Mike Wallace.
I would also like to thank Steve Lyda, Bob Butler, Claudio Forest, Angie Cox,
and Rick Cleland for their well fought campaigns . What an exciting
race this has been. One of the remarkable things about America and
our democratic process is that we come together with our political
leaders regardless of dissension on the campaign trail or how
narrow the margin of victory. We have said it before, and I'll say it
again; all candidates are capable persons trying to do right by Flower
Mound, often at personal sacrifices of both time and energy.
StopMorriss6 will be working with Tom, Steve, and Mike on issues
important to all of us; of course including the eminent decisions
about the future of Morriss and Gerault roads. We will talking and
listening to all of our neighbors north and south along Morriss and
Gerault to make sure everyone's needs and concerns are addressed.
We will not go away, we will not stand down and we will not give up
our fight to keep Morriss Road a beautiful residential boulevard that
supports our quality of life and not detract from it; that keeps our
communities in tack, not split through the middle; that provides a
safe environment for us and our children to live, work, and play.
Scott Cleland
to congratulate our newly elected Councilmembers Tom Hayden, Steve
Dixon and Mike Wallace.
I would also like to thank Steve Lyda, Bob Butler, Claudio Forest, Angie Cox,
and Rick Cleland for their well fought campaigns . What an exciting
race this has been. One of the remarkable things about America and
our democratic process is that we come together with our political
leaders regardless of dissension on the campaign trail or how
narrow the margin of victory. We have said it before, and I'll say it
again; all candidates are capable persons trying to do right by Flower
Mound, often at personal sacrifices of both time and energy.
StopMorriss6 will be working with Tom, Steve, and Mike on issues
important to all of us; of course including the eminent decisions
about the future of Morriss and Gerault roads. We will talking and
listening to all of our neighbors north and south along Morriss and
Gerault to make sure everyone's needs and concerns are addressed.
We will not go away, we will not stand down and we will not give up
our fight to keep Morriss Road a beautiful residential boulevard that
supports our quality of life and not detract from it; that keeps our
communities in tack, not split through the middle; that provides a
safe environment for us and our children to live, work, and play.
Scott Cleland
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Vote, Vote, Vote!
Saturday will be a gorgeous day to go out and exercise your greatest right and civic duty. Please set aside about 20 minutes of your time to make it over to the Police and Courts Building, on the corner of Cross Timbers and Kirkpatrick between the hours of 7am and 7pm. To vote for the candidate of your choice. As a group and as a moderator of this blog we have our choices. And so do you. In this election, your vote counts and could decide the outcome, so I cannot stress to you the importance of going to make that choice.
For those of you that don't know the process in our town, I will give you a brief explanation.
There are 3 seats up for election. Place 1, Place 3 and Place 5. You will vote for one candidate in each place, so you are voting for all 3 Places. Also on the ballot are 2 seats on the LISD school board.
So come on out on Saturday, May 9th and make a difference. See you there.
For those of you that don't know the process in our town, I will give you a brief explanation.
There are 3 seats up for election. Place 1, Place 3 and Place 5. You will vote for one candidate in each place, so you are voting for all 3 Places. Also on the ballot are 2 seats on the LISD school board.
So come on out on Saturday, May 9th and make a difference. See you there.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Response to RoundtheMound Post
The following was a reply posted on roundthemound message board.
I would like to clear up some misunderstandings about the Stop Morriss 6.
1. Stop Morriss 6 is NOT against road construction or expansion of roads in Flower Mound.
2. Stop Morriss 6 does NOT want Morriss to go from 4 to 6 lanes from 407 to 2499.
3. Stop Morriss 6 is Not against funding fr0m Denton County and the 121 Toll revenue funds.
4. Stop Morriss 6 DID NOT ask our Town Council to refuse funds. We DID ask that they delay their decision on the acceptance of funds until after the Transportation Commission Public Hearing on May 26th.
5. Stop Morriss 6 is FOR the Town Council to make public and let the residents be apart of all aspects of design, funding, and have public input with the Morriss Road expansion. As we all should be when any road is being built, expanded, or improved.
6. Stop Morriss 6 is FOR road improvements (Morriss Road ideas- longer turn lanes at intersections & other viable options rather than tearing out the whole median down Morriss, waiting until proper studies are done when other construction affecting that road are done and so on.)
7. Stop Morriss 6 is FOR having traffic, safety, and funding studies done to improve roads when they are done accurately.
8 Stop Morriss 6 is FOR waiting until other road projects are done before starting a new one. (Examples FM2499, FM1171 and FM407). Having all road construction going on at the same time is not productive for any resident living in Flower Mound or next to Flower Mound.
9. Stop Morriss 6 is FOR having the Town Council obtain money for individual projects, not grouping many roads into one funding agreement so that the residents have to have all or none. (Another example would be Riverwalk. Everyone is for a hospital in our town, but to have the hospital, we were told we had to have 1200 apt/condos and retail development to go with it or we could not have the hospital. This same development is Smartgrowth exempt. Why is that?)
10. Stop Morriss 6 IS NOT just a "single issue" group, we are a group who has finally had enough with being told that it is all or nothing and there are no other choices or options.
11. Stop Morriss 6 IS a group who want to understand how the Council works and why they do the things they do the way they do them.
12. Stop Morriss 6 HAS written to their Council and asked them to educate them on these issues and have been told by the Council that they do not have the time to answer such in-depth questions. If they can’t answer them, then who will?
13. Stop Morriss 6 IS a group of residents who do care and do love the town they live in. These are good people who DO respect the Town Council and what it does for the town. They are also a group of people trying to help out their Council and do what is best for the town.
14. Stop Morriss 6 IS a group of people who are asking for their Council to listen to the residents and respect their ideas and TOGETHER do what is right for the town WE ALL CARE AND LOVE!
Renee
Resident who loves Flower Mound and the people who live here!!!!!
I would like to clear up some misunderstandings about the Stop Morriss 6.
1. Stop Morriss 6 is NOT against road construction or expansion of roads in Flower Mound.
2. Stop Morriss 6 does NOT want Morriss to go from 4 to 6 lanes from 407 to 2499.
3. Stop Morriss 6 is Not against funding fr0m Denton County and the 121 Toll revenue funds.
4. Stop Morriss 6 DID NOT ask our Town Council to refuse funds. We DID ask that they delay their decision on the acceptance of funds until after the Transportation Commission Public Hearing on May 26th.
5. Stop Morriss 6 is FOR the Town Council to make public and let the residents be apart of all aspects of design, funding, and have public input with the Morriss Road expansion. As we all should be when any road is being built, expanded, or improved.
6. Stop Morriss 6 is FOR road improvements (Morriss Road ideas- longer turn lanes at intersections & other viable options rather than tearing out the whole median down Morriss, waiting until proper studies are done when other construction affecting that road are done and so on.)
7. Stop Morriss 6 is FOR having traffic, safety, and funding studies done to improve roads when they are done accurately.
8 Stop Morriss 6 is FOR waiting until other road projects are done before starting a new one. (Examples FM2499, FM1171 and FM407). Having all road construction going on at the same time is not productive for any resident living in Flower Mound or next to Flower Mound.
9. Stop Morriss 6 is FOR having the Town Council obtain money for individual projects, not grouping many roads into one funding agreement so that the residents have to have all or none. (Another example would be Riverwalk. Everyone is for a hospital in our town, but to have the hospital, we were told we had to have 1200 apt/condos and retail development to go with it or we could not have the hospital. This same development is Smartgrowth exempt. Why is that?)
10. Stop Morriss 6 IS NOT just a "single issue" group, we are a group who has finally had enough with being told that it is all or nothing and there are no other choices or options.
11. Stop Morriss 6 IS a group who want to understand how the Council works and why they do the things they do the way they do them.
12. Stop Morriss 6 HAS written to their Council and asked them to educate them on these issues and have been told by the Council that they do not have the time to answer such in-depth questions. If they can’t answer them, then who will?
13. Stop Morriss 6 IS a group of residents who do care and do love the town they live in. These are good people who DO respect the Town Council and what it does for the town. They are also a group of people trying to help out their Council and do what is best for the town.
14. Stop Morriss 6 IS a group of people who are asking for their Council to listen to the residents and respect their ideas and TOGETHER do what is right for the town WE ALL CARE AND LOVE!
Renee
Resident who loves Flower Mound and the people who live here!!!!!
Press Release
Fact vs. Fiction by Tom Hayden
At the Flower Mound Town Council Meeting, May 4th, 2009 my opponent's supporter, Patsy Mizeur's political action committee (PAC), maliciously misrepresented facts regarding an Investment Partnership in which I, Tom Hayden, was the General Partner. Mayor Smith prohibited me from speaking.
Ms. Mizeur and her PAC do not understand how these types of investments work. Because of my foresight and skill I took action prior to the stock market crash and over the life of the fund, investors averaged double digit returns. Clients were extremely pleased with my performance. My ability to identify economic cycles well in advance is why I have been successful for 20 years.
In 2006 Chaparral Capital Partners voluntarily closed and returned all capital to investors. The Investment Partnership was closed because I, the manager did not like the direction of the economy and believed the Equity Markets were becoming Frothy at the time. A copy of the returns is attached.
In addition:
- The State of Texas Securities Board performed routine audits of the Partnerships and found no deficiencies.
- All investors in the Partnership remain references.
- There were no Franchise Taxes due in 2007 because the business ceased to operate in 2006.
As a town councilman I would bring valuable financial skills to help Flower Mound thrive during troubled economic times. I would also treat residents honestly and with the respect owed them.
My attorney will be ready to take action following any additional misrepresentation, slander or libel. The political bullying of Flower Mound should end now.
Respectfully,
Tom Hayden
Flower Mound Town Council Candidate Place 5
Attached is the portfolio statement that Mr Hayden was referring to...click image for a clearer view of the document.
View Last Night's Town Council Meeting
If you were unable to attend last night's Town Council meeting, you can see it on http://www.flower-mound.com/. Interesting viewing.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Election Night Party
Saturday evening, May 9th, starting at 7pm, we are going to have a post election gathering at The Z Grill on 1171, next to Sprouts. Come and join us for what we hope will be a victory celebration. More details to follow, but mark it on your calendar. Vote, then party.
WAY TO GO
I just want to personally thank everyone one of you that took the time to show up at tonight's Town Council Meeting. It had a major impact and I hope that you will respond in the same manner next time such an important issue will be on the agenda.
Before I call it a night I just want to remind everyone that the StopMorriss6 group is not opposed to the town's effort of securing "free" money for our Town (even though it is tax dollars anyway you want to look at it). All we were stating is that the Council has not been transparent in their process and could have done a much better job of keeping us informed. No one can expect individual residents to have the knowledge of how all these processes work.
I feel that asking the Council to delay this issue, by tableing it, until the new Council was elected was a reasonable request - You are talking 10 days. They would have still had time to decide on this prior the Spinks project deadline.
Town Manager Jefferson did put some light on the fact that the agreement can be re-negotiated so we must continue to ensure that our concerns are heard.
Bottom line. Multiple residents made requests of the Town Council to defer this decision until the new Council is in place. Tonight's Town Council voted to accept the funds tonight.
Good Night and Good Luck.
Before I call it a night I just want to remind everyone that the StopMorriss6 group is not opposed to the town's effort of securing "free" money for our Town (even though it is tax dollars anyway you want to look at it). All we were stating is that the Council has not been transparent in their process and could have done a much better job of keeping us informed. No one can expect individual residents to have the knowledge of how all these processes work.
I feel that asking the Council to delay this issue, by tableing it, until the new Council was elected was a reasonable request - You are talking 10 days. They would have still had time to decide on this prior the Spinks project deadline.
Town Manager Jefferson did put some light on the fact that the agreement can be re-negotiated so we must continue to ensure that our concerns are heard.
Bottom line. Multiple residents made requests of the Town Council to defer this decision until the new Council is in place. Tonight's Town Council voted to accept the funds tonight.
Good Night and Good Luck.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Kim & Holly Berg's Personal Endorsement.
In light of the fact of the agenda for tomorrow's Town Council meeting, it is more important than ever that we get the right candidates elected. Not only for the Morriss/Gerault expansion, but ALL of the issues that are best for ALL of the citizens of Flower Mound.
Since the next week could be very heated here on the blog, we have suspended the ability to post comments as
Holly and I are endorsing Steve Lyda, Bob Butler, and Tom Hayden for Town Council for the reasons stated above. Please get out and vote monday for Lyda, Butler and Hayden.
Since the next week could be very heated here on the blog, we have suspended the ability to post comments as
anonymous. If you have something to say about a candidate or a view that differs from mine and others here in the stopmorris6 group, I urge you to simply sign up with a google account. This doesn't mean you have to use your full name or disclose personal information, it just puts an identity to your thoughts. I am glad we chose to allow
anonymouspostings up to this point and we will resume that practice after the election is over.
Holly and I are endorsing Steve Lyda, Bob Butler, and Tom Hayden for Town Council for the reasons stated above. Please get out and vote monday for Lyda, Butler and Hayden.
SHAME ON YOU TOWN COUNCIL
I am sitting here reading the agenda for Monday's Town Council meeting. Our Town Council will be voting on some "non-controversial" and "houskeeping" issues. One of the 14 issues is the Advance Funding Agreement with The State of Texas, acting by and through TxDot, for funding of several projects including the widening of Morris Road/Gerault.
"Non-controversial"????
Has our council NOT heard anything we've said the last few months? If this is a non-controversial issue then you should have no problem leaving this vote to the New Town Council. SHAME ON YOU!!!!!
Why did they send it back to the transportation commission for public hearing?
It is obvious that this Town Council has no regard for their residents and will do whatever is in their power to run their own agenda.
It is imperative that we all show up tomorrow night and protest this vote. I know it is short notice, but we cannot let the Town Council let this happen.
PLEASE SHOW UP TOMORROW AND RAISE YOUR CONCERN ABOUT THE TIMING OF THIS VOTE
For more information you can go to the town website at http://www.flower-mound.com/
Your Government - Agendas & Minutes
Look at the Agenda for Town Council Meeting 05/04/09 page page 2, item K, Consent Agenda - Consent Items. Item 5. If you look right below Consent Agenda it states in small print that this is non-controversial and houskeeping issues.
It also states that any council member can have this removed from the Consent Agenda by making such request prior to a motion and vote on the Consent Agenda .
I sincerely hope that a current Council Member (those that are to represent the residents) has heard from the resident that this is a controversial issue and will vote to have it removed from the agenda.
There is more detailed information in the Packets link for the same date (same location on the website). On page 46 of this 498 page document is where it give more detailed information about the funding
It states that the Town can request funds for any cost overruns, but there is no guarantee that it will be granted. In such a case the Town itself will be responsible for the additional cost.
Page 52 Article 11 of this document mention that the Town must comply with all environmental review and public involvement requirements applicable to the Local Government under state and federal law in connection with the Projects.
What is the point of having public involvement after the Council already approved the agreement?
Page 54 Amendments
By mutual written consent of the Parties, this contract may be amended prior to its expiration. I guess this can be used as the last way out.
"Non-controversial"????
Has our council NOT heard anything we've said the last few months? If this is a non-controversial issue then you should have no problem leaving this vote to the New Town Council. SHAME ON YOU!!!!!
Why did they send it back to the transportation commission for public hearing?
It is obvious that this Town Council has no regard for their residents and will do whatever is in their power to run their own agenda.
It is imperative that we all show up tomorrow night and protest this vote. I know it is short notice, but we cannot let the Town Council let this happen.
PLEASE SHOW UP TOMORROW AND RAISE YOUR CONCERN ABOUT THE TIMING OF THIS VOTE
For more information you can go to the town website at http://www.flower-mound.com/
Your Government - Agendas & Minutes
Look at the Agenda for Town Council Meeting 05/04/09 page page 2, item K, Consent Agenda - Consent Items. Item 5. If you look right below Consent Agenda it states in small print that this is non-controversial and houskeeping issues.
It also states that any council member can have this removed from the Consent Agenda by making such request prior to a motion and vote on the Consent Agenda .
I sincerely hope that a current Council Member (those that are to represent the residents) has heard from the resident that this is a controversial issue and will vote to have it removed from the agenda.
There is more detailed information in the Packets link for the same date (same location on the website). On page 46 of this 498 page document is where it give more detailed information about the funding
It states that the Town can request funds for any cost overruns, but there is no guarantee that it will be granted. In such a case the Town itself will be responsible for the additional cost.
Page 52 Article 11 of this document mention that the Town must comply with all environmental review and public involvement requirements applicable to the Local Government under state and federal law in connection with the Projects.
What is the point of having public involvement after the Council already approved the agreement?
Page 54 Amendments
By mutual written consent of the Parties, this contract may be amended prior to its expiration. I guess this can be used as the last way out.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Early Voting
Earlier today I went up to the Police and Courts building to vote. It was so easy. That was a good thing and a bad thing. It was quick and was in and out in 10 minutes. The bad news was the numbers are behind last election as far as early voting. I can't urge you enough to get out to vote. It is the only way to insure we have a council in place that is concerned about the future of our town. If you were at the Candidates Forum on Thursday, you should have a pretty clear cut idea of who would be best for us. If you don't yet, we will have video posted here soon so you can see for yourself what the candidates had to say.
We will be coming out with personal endorsements soon.
You still have an hour to go today, the polls close at 5pm, the rain has ended, so run on up and cast your vote now. If not today, early voting continues on Monday and Tuesday.
Please get out and VOTE.
We will be coming out with personal endorsements soon.
You still have an hour to go today, the polls close at 5pm, the rain has ended, so run on up and cast your vote now. If not today, early voting continues on Monday and Tuesday.
Please get out and VOTE.
Friday, May 1, 2009
March and Meet
After spending much of today trying to unwind after the last few weeks of planning this event, I would first like to say it was an overwhelming success. The sight of over 100 people walking down Morriss was something I don't think this town has seen before. I want to thank everyone that participated and hope they had as much fun doing it as I did.
I would also like to thank Bjorn, Young Scott, Tall Scott, Holly, Carmen, Renee, Diane, and Doris for making this all come together. After all our planning it made it all look simple and it all came off without a single glitch. It was unfortunate that the Swine Flu hysteria hit at the time it did. I feel that was the only glitch that caused us not to hit the heights of participation we had hoped for. Regardless, Rain or Swine, it was still fabulous and I think I can speak for all, it was spectacular. Thanks to Jim Tullos for emceeing the event and to Christy at Little Petes for the use of the PA system.
A very special thanks to the Candidates, all 8 of them for coming out for the largest crowd they have faced in the campaign season, as I predicted.
Thank you to the press that came to cover the event, all the local news outlets were there tip to tail, taking pictures and following us for the mile long stroll. CNN didn't know what they missed.
I would also like to thank current Town Council members, Jeff Tasker and Jean Levenick for coming out for the lovely evening in the park. And a shout out to Mayor Jody Smith for the drive-by, sorry you couldn't stay, but was nice to see you. Sorry I was standing in the middle of Garden Rd stopping traffic when you were coming by.
Thanks to Michael Ryan for helping us set up at the park and all the other town staff I dealt with to make sure we were doing everything right.
Thanks to the Parks department for making sure we had power and helping us get set up. We have incredible parks in our town and everyone should utilize them as often as they can.
Everyone for bringing their kids and pets and making an evening of it. It really was a great night.
Thanks again,
Kim
p.s. please post here your experiences and what you thought.
I would also like to thank Bjorn, Young Scott, Tall Scott, Holly, Carmen, Renee, Diane, and Doris for making this all come together. After all our planning it made it all look simple and it all came off without a single glitch. It was unfortunate that the Swine Flu hysteria hit at the time it did. I feel that was the only glitch that caused us not to hit the heights of participation we had hoped for. Regardless, Rain or Swine, it was still fabulous and I think I can speak for all, it was spectacular. Thanks to Jim Tullos for emceeing the event and to Christy at Little Petes for the use of the PA system.
A very special thanks to the Candidates, all 8 of them for coming out for the largest crowd they have faced in the campaign season, as I predicted.
Thank you to the press that came to cover the event, all the local news outlets were there tip to tail, taking pictures and following us for the mile long stroll. CNN didn't know what they missed.
I would also like to thank current Town Council members, Jeff Tasker and Jean Levenick for coming out for the lovely evening in the park. And a shout out to Mayor Jody Smith for the drive-by, sorry you couldn't stay, but was nice to see you. Sorry I was standing in the middle of Garden Rd stopping traffic when you were coming by.
Thanks to Michael Ryan for helping us set up at the park and all the other town staff I dealt with to make sure we were doing everything right.
Thanks to the Parks department for making sure we had power and helping us get set up. We have incredible parks in our town and everyone should utilize them as often as they can.
Everyone for bringing their kids and pets and making an evening of it. It really was a great night.
Thanks again,
Kim
p.s. please post here your experiences and what you thought.
Forum at Wilkerson Field
We would like to thank everyone that took the time to join us at
Wilkerson Field last night
The evening started with 100+ residents together with the candidates marching from the corner of Morriss Road and 1171 southbound towards Wilkerson's Field.
Arriving at the field was all eight candidates running for council place 1, 3 and 5.
After a short brief with the candidates, moderator Jim Tullos of Flower Mound got the Forum started.
Each candidate got 4 questions with a specific timeframe to answer each question. At the end each candidate was alloted 2 minutes for a closing statement.
Here are the four questions that was asked:
1. Do you support future amendments to SmartGrowth for future commercial developments?
and Do you support exceptions to SmartGrowth without amendments?
and Do you support exceptions to SmartGrowth without amendments?
2. As a Town Council member, will you vote to stop the Morriss/Gerault expansion project? And why?
3. Under what circumstances would you support the expansion or improvement of the Morriss/Gerault road ways?
4. If you had complete control to set Town policy regarding urban drilling, what kind of policy would you advocate? Would you fight proposed legislation before the Texas House of Representatives? If so How?
The evening ended with the moderator thanking everyone for attending and reminded us all to vote in the upcoming election.
StopMorriss6 would like to thank each of the candidates for attending and for their answers. For those of you that could not attend we will have the transcript or video available shortly.
We also like to thank Little Pete's for providing us with a PA system for this event.
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