Overnight the computer system that controls the water flow in the city suffered a failure. The system identified the water tower as being full then turned off the pumps from the wells. As the tower drained from consumption, the computer system failed to restart the pumps inasmuch, the tower ran dry. We have switched all pumps to manual and are in the process of refilling our tower. Public Works has contacted our service company and they are headed to Van Alstyne to examine our software and identify the issue. The official notice is below as well as emergency guidance for retail food establishments.
News
Think Smart, Water Smart
The City of Van Alstyne is encouraging customers to voluntarily conserve water at this time to ensure production quantity. There is no risk to water quality. Drought conditions combined with peak water demands add stress on the delivery system and ongoing conservation habits by our customers, will help the City maintain delivery of safe drinking water. As drought conditions persist, elevated and sustained conservation efforts will remain critical.
Notice of Intention to Issue Certificates of Obligation of the City of Van Alstyne, Texas
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO ISSUE
CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION
OF THE CITY OF VAN ALSTYNE, TEXAS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Van Alstyne, Texas, at its meeting to commence at 6:30 P.M. on September 13, 2022, at the City Hall, 152 N. Main Drive, Van Alstyne, Texas, tentatively proposes to adopt an ordinance authorizing the issuance of interest bearing certificates of obligation, in one or more series, in an amount not to exceed $21,000,000 for paying all or a portion of the City’s contractual obligations incurred in connection with (i) acquiring, constructing, and equipping a municipal complex, including a police station, fire station and other public safety facilities, (ii) constructing, reconstructing and improving streets, roads, sidewalks and alleys, including bridges and intersections, street overlay, landscaping, lighting, signalization, traffic safety and operational improvements, culverts and related storm drainage and utility relocation; and (iii) paying legal, fiscal, architectural and engineering fees in connection with these projects. The estimated interest rate for the certificates is 4.48% per annum, the maximum maturity date for the certificates is February 15, 2052, and the estimated combined principal and interest required to pay the certificates to be authorized on time and in full is $39,662,791. The current principal of all outstanding debt obligations of the City is $19,215,000. The current combined principal and interest required to pay all outstanding debt obligations of the City on time and in full is $26,663,271. The City proposes to provide for the payment of such certificates of obligation from the levy and collection of ad valorem taxes in the City as provided by law and from a limited pledge of surplus revenues of the City’s waterworks and sewer system, remaining after payment of all operation and maintenance expenses thereof, and all debt service, reserve, and other requirements in connection with all of the City’s revenue bonds or other obligations (now or hereafter outstanding), which are payable from all or any part of the net revenues of the City’s waterworks and sewer system. The certificates of obligation are to be issued, and this notice is given, under and pursuant to the provisions of V.T.C.A., Local Government Code, Subchapter C of Chapter 271.
CITY OF VAN ALSTYNE, TEXAS
Free Sounds of Summer Concert Series
City of Van Alstyne Municipal Events presents a free concert series in our newest venue: Central Social District.
Bring a lawn chair and enjoy live music, food trucks, and vendors.
These events and more are scheduled for Central Social District.
Located downtown by the railroad tracks at 215 E. Van Alstyne Parkway, Van Alstyne, TX 75495
Volunteer Opportunity: Community and Economic Development Corporations
The Community and Economic Development Corporations have four openings, each being a two-year term.
Applications will be accepted until May 29, 2022. Apply Today!
Volunteer Opportunity: Planning and Zoning Commission
The Planning and Zoning Commission has openings for two places and one alternate place, each being a two-year term. The places may be filled by a resident of the city limits, a resident of the extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) of the City of Van Alstyne or possibly a resident of the Van Alstyne ISD boundary.
The Commission meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm.
Applications will be accepted until May 27, 2022. Apply Today!
DRAFT CITY CHARTER AVAILABLE NOW
The City Council will conduct a Public Hearing on April 12, 2022 at 6:30pm at City Hall located at 152 N Main Dr regarding the City Charter. The draft Charter was mailed to each registered voter in the City of Van Alstyne on Friday, April 1, 2022. Please review the proposed Charter and participate in the May 7, 2022 election as this important moment in the City’s history takes place!
(Originally posted prior to April 1, 2022)
Megatel Development
An issue of note to Van Alstyne is Treasure Island, a Megatel development within the community (but outside city limits) which is proposed to host 4,000 single family homes on very small lots and 2,000 apartments. With those numbers, the development itself would have a higher population than the City of Van Alstyne, utilizing the City’s resources without paying taxes to support roads, parks, etc. The numbers would pose a considerable drain on the City’s resources.
One of the main objections, however, is that as a Municipal Utility District the project would tap into Van Alstyne’s water supply by drilling into the same aquifers as the City and also building its own wastewater plant. The wastewater treatment plant is not needed because the City of Van Alstyne can provide these services. TCEQ, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, is a governing authority in this area and the City and the VAISD have each passed resolutions opposing this project. Citizens may voice their concerns by making contact with those listed below.
For wastewater treatment plant objections reference proposed permit number: WQ0016092001
To contact TCEQ:
Chief Clerk 512-239-3300 or 512-239-3313 Susie.Smith@TCEQ.Texas.Gov
Mr. Vic McWherter, Public Interest Counsel 512-239-5500
Mr. Jon Niermann, Chairman 512-239-5505
Ms. Emily Lindley, Commissioner 512-239-5500
Mr. Bobby Janecka, Commissioner 512-239-5500
Texas House Representative
Mr. Reggie Smith
Austin Office: 512-463-0297
Sherman Office: 903-891-7297