The Murphy police department is now accepting applications for the ninth class of the Citizen’s Police Academy.

The class will give residents of Murphy the opportunity to observe their police department and the officers who work there. You will be taught by veteran officers in such classes as accident investigation, state law, domestic violence, and firearms.
You will also receive a better understanding of what your police do and how they do their jobs.

The class is FREE and meets each Tuesday from 7pm-10pm beginning March 20, 2012 until May 22, 2012. You must be 18 years old and never been convicted of a felony. You must also be a resident of Murphy.

Applications are available at the police department at 206 N Murphy Rd. M-F 8am-5pm or through email. Applications must be returned to the police department no later than March 9th at 5pm.

Contact: Officer Kris Riebschlager
kriebschlager@murphytx.org
469-752-8614

Chief GM Cox reports the following to his Police Officers regarding statistics for Murphy crime:

The good news is that Part I crimes fell 4.03% in 2011 from 2010. Part I offenses are those defined by the FBI as murder, robbery, aggravated assault, rape, burglary (business and residential), theft (FBI calls it larceny), motor vehicle theft and arson. These offenses are those considered the most serious by the FBI. All other offenses are classified as Part II crimes and are only counted as arrests. This is the 3rd straight year for the crime rate to go down from a high of 172 Part I offenses in 2008 to a low of 143 in 2011. That is a 16.9% drop in Part I crime in 3 years.
The MPD response times continues to be outstanding at just under a minute average. In 2007, the average response time was just over 2 minutes.
Calls have steadily risen from 15,669 in 2007 to almost 40,000 calls in 2011. This is a 154% increase in the number of calls for service in just over 3 years. Just to clarify, Calls for Service include citizen calls for service and Officer initiated calls – traffic stops, etc.
The number of arrests went up by 33.51% from 2010 to 2011. Since 2007, the number of arrests has steadily risen from 200 in 2007 to 490 in 2011. That is about a 145% increase in the number of people arrested in 2007 to 2011.
The number of offense reports written by Officers has increased about 12% since 2007. The Officers of the MPD wrote 691 offense reports in 2011 up 5.98% from 2010 (652). The number of reports referred to the Criminal Investigation division (CID) has gone up by 40%, but the number of personnel assigned to CID has dropped from 3 to 2.
On the down side, however, is the almost 60% increase in the number of traffic accidents from 246 in 2008 to 392 in 2011. Traffic enforcement activity (traffic stops) has increased by 19% from 2010 to 2011. However, the number of traffic citations issued went up by almost 23%. Since 2007, traffic enforcement activity has increased by about 26%.
Family violence calls have risen 105% since 2007 (19). MPD Officers responded to 39 family violence calls in 2011, up 21.88% from 2010 (32).
Overall, the City enjoys a low crime rate. The two most telling statistics are the number of calls for service and the number of traffic accidents. While the real number of family violence calls is small (total of 39 in 2011), that is a large number in terms of family violence for a city of our size.
Congratulations, to you all for the outstanding jobs you have all done in helping reduce reported crime in Murphy. Overall, you should be very proud of what has been accomplished in 2011 and in particular how things have trended since 2007. Overall, the department is doing a lot more work with the same number of officers, or less, that it had in 2007. It takes a team effort to produce the kinds of results you see above. A couple of areas need attention, such as Family Violence calls and Traffic Accidents. On the whole, however, 2011 was an outstanding year for the MPD. We had an overall drop in Part I crimes with an increase in the number of calls handled.

Heart Health Month prompts Fire Rescue CPR classes

MURPHY (January 20, 2012) In celebration of Heart Health Month, commemorated nationally during February, Murphy Fire Rescue is offering free classes that could save or prolong the life of persons suffering from heart-related trauma, using either an AED or their hands alone, according to Fire Chief Mark Lee.
The 15-minute classes are scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 11 starting at 9 a.m. and continuing every 20 minutes. The last class of the day starts at 3 p.m. Classes are held in the Murphy Fire House, 206 North Murphy Road.
“Often the true first responders in a heart trauma event are people immediately around the victim. In some situations, an AED is available, but most times, there isn’t one. After completing the class, attendees will be able to deal with either situation,” he said.
AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator, a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses a potentially life threatening cardiac arrest and treats the victim through defibrillation, the application of electrical impulses which stop the heart’s irregularity, allowing the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm.
The absence of an AED, however, requires “hands-only CPR” in order to restore the heart’s rhythm. CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, chest compressions undertaken manually to stimulate the heart to restart a regular rhythm.
“In most cases, there is a small window for immediate action, before permanent damage occurs. These classes can make a difference in an individual’s life,” said Chief Lee.
In addition to the classes, the Feb. 11 sessions will provide opportunities for persons to sign up for the full CPR class, leading toward CPR certification.

On facebook this am: 1/25/12 Murphy PD

The City of Murphy is under a Flood Warning. Areas around the 100 block of S. Maxwell Creek are in danger of flooding. Please monitor the situation and be prepared to evacuate. Call 9-1-1 if you need assistance.

Caution! Maxwell Creek is overflowing its banks in certain areas throughout the City. Please do not proceed into a flooded area. Seek an alternate route or wait until the water recedes. Exercise extreme caution today and tomorrow.

Feasibility Analysis Public Meeting

Thursday, 26 January 2012
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

The City of Richardson and the City of Murphy invite you to attend a public meeting for the Multi-Agency Recreation Center Master Plan & Feasibility Analysis Public Input Meeting

January 26, 20127 p.m
Miller Elementary School Cafeteria
5651 Coventry Drive
Richardson, TX 75082
DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION HERE 6 MB

The following communication was sent to property owners from the City.


January 12, 2012
RE: Zoning File 2011-05 

Section 86-144. of the Murphy Texas Code of Ordinances requires that written notice of the public hearing be sent to all owners of property, as indicated by the most recently approved city tax roll, that is located within the area of the application, and within 200 feet of any property affected, said written notice.

This is to advise you that a public hearing will be held by the Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday, January 23, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at 206 N. Murphy Road, Murphy, Texas, to consider the application of Forestar (USA) Real Estate Group, Inc. They are requesting approval of a SUP.

(Specific Use Permit) for a Hospital Facility and Professional Offices, including helistop, on the property zoned NS (Neighborhood Service) District (Zoning Code of Ordinances, Article III. – Zoning Districts, Division 13) located at the northeast corner of FM 544 and Heritage Parkway

A DRAFT Concept Plan that is also up for consideration is enclosed for your review This property is shown on the enclosed sketch and is described as follows Being a approximate 3.699 acre tract of land situated in the Mary Scott Survey, Abstract No. 859, all of Lot 2, Block A, of Heritage Addition to the City of Murphy, Collin County, Texas, fronting approximately 273.70 feet along Heritage Parkway.

If you would like to inform us of your opinion, a reply form is enclosed which can be mailed to the Community Development Department. Mail the reply form to: City of Murphy, Attn: Lori Payan, Community Development Department, 206 North Murphy Road, Murphy, Texas 75094 or lpayan@murphytx.org.
 

meeting at City Hall and on the City’s website at www.murphytx.org If you have any questions, please feel free to contact this office at (972) 468-4006 or Lori Payan at (972) 468-4014.

Sincerely

Kristen Roberts Director of Economic and Community Development

MURPHY (November 15, 2011) Individuals and organizations wishing to make a noticeable and visible difference in Murphy now have the opportunity to do so by adopting a portion of a Murphy street and maintaining its cleanliness, according to Director of Parks and Public Works Kim Lenoir.

“We’re starting a program in Murphy that has been in existence elsewhere for some time, so people are already aware of how it works. Ours will be similar in how it’s administered, but it will be unique in that it is another opportunity for Murphy residents to show how much they care about their community,” she said. The Adopt-a-Street program is another effort by the “Keep Murphy Beautiful” campaign, administered by the City’s Green Team.

Adopting a street requires an application to be submitted for approval along with the name of an individual or representative of an organization who will take responsibility for the commitment. The individual or organization will then be assigned a stretch of road, usually about a mile in length, to clean up by picking up trash and debris.

“The program is designed to give individuals and groups a chance to make a visible impact on the environment and help reduce the costs associated with cleaning the streets. Picking up litter costs taxpayers in terms of direct labor expenses as well as the indirect costs associated with taking crews away from their primary duty to pick up garbage,” she added.

Groups or individuals who sign up for the program will be expected to commit for one year, and conduct their cleanups at least once a quarter. A sign designating the stretch of road as adopted by an organization or individual will be erected, following the first successful cleanup.

“All of the cleanup volunteers must sign an agreement that says they understand the rules of the program. And while we welcome the participation of young people, anyone under 18 must obtain the signature of their parent or guardian,” said Lenoir.

Groups and individuals who commit to the program must also pledge to actively participate annually in one of the various “Keep Murphy Beautiful” clean ups throughout the year.
“The City will supply the trash bags and high-visibility vests to volunteers, and will give a brief safety orientation prior to each cleanup,” she said.

Individuals and groups interested in participating or who are seeking more information about this program should contact Lenoir at klenoir@murphytx.org or call 972-468-4068.

MURPHY (November 30, 2011) Mayor Bret Baldwin and the Murphy City Council proclaimed Nov. 19, 2011 Arbor Day in Murphy. The proclamation declaring the day devoted to the study and appreciation of trees in the City was spearheaded by the Green Team, the interdepartmental employee committee dedicated to the Keep Murphy Beautiful effort, according to Kim Lenoir, Parks and Public Works Director.
“The proclamation of Arbor Day is the final of the four requirements necessary for Murphy to qualify for Tree City USA designation from the National Arbor Day Foundation,” she said. “It’s also an important aspect of our Keep Murphy Beautiful campaign. Murphy is fortunate to have a citizenry that appreciates the benefits of nature, and Arbor Day is a perfect fit for the City because of the emphasis on the beauty and indispensable necessity of trees,” she said.
At their Nov. 15 meeting, the City Council issued a proclamation officially setting Nov. 19 as Arbor Day in the City for the current year. It read, in part, “The City Council agrees that trees in our city increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community.”
The inaugural celebration officially recognizing Arbor Day in Murphy was held at 1 p.m. on Nov. 19 at the Murphy Community Center, right before the annual Park Tour, put on by the Parks and Recreation Board. The Park Tour is an annual review of the progress made at the various public spaces throughout the City. Bur Oak acorns were distributed to participants in the Arbor Day celebration, and recipients were asked to plant them in the hope that a tree would grow.
“In commemoration of Arbor Day, participants of the Park Tour paid particular attention to the trees and considered their health status as a result of the record heat and summer drought,” said Lenoir. For more information on trees and their care, visit www.arborday.org.
It was particularly fitting to have the City’s initial Arbor Day Celebration at the Murphy Community Center, because the landscaping contractor for the new center will be planting its trees in the very near future.
Among the new trees and bushes at the center will be seven Nellie R. Stevens hollies, three Chaste trees, 18 Cedar Elms, seven Live Oaks, four Chinese Pastiches and 17 Dallas Red Crape Myrtles.
Also part of the Arbor Day festivities, the Green Team is encouraging fourth and fifth grade students to enter the “Trees are Terrific…from Acorn to Oak” poster contest put on by Keep Texas Beautiful and the Texas Forest Service. The poster contest is part of a statewide program designed to teach children, through basic classification skills, to recognize unique characteristics that separate oaks from other trees. Local elementary schools are encouraged to visit the Keep Texas Beautiful web site at www.ktb.org and download the details for the contest. The deadline for poster submissions is Friday, Dec. 16, 2011. The winning student will receive a $500 savings bond and a year-long family pass for Texas state parks, as well as a framed copy of his or her poster and an invitation to the Texas Arbor Day ceremony on Friday, April 27, 2012. The winning teacher will receive a personal iPad and $250 to go toward classroom supplies. The winning school will receive $250 for environmental books or supplies and a tree planted on the campus as part of an Arbor Day celebration.
“I think it’s significant that the Proclamation read by Mayor Baldwin urged all citizens to celebrate Murphy Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands. Murphy has, in many ways, already demonstrated its love of nature, and this is just another expression of that connection,” concluded Lenoir.

MURPHY (September 22, 2011) The City of Murphy has scheduled a second debris pick up and removal day for residents affected by the recent straight winds that blew over trees, knocked down fences and uprooted bushes, according to Customer Service Manager Candy McQuiston.
The pick up and removal day is Wednesday, Sept. 28 starting at 7 a.m. As before, residents should have all material at curbside by 7 a.m. on the morning of the pick up or risk missing the trucks.
“We were able to pick up most of the debris last Wednesday, but some residents needed more time to stack their tree trunks and branches out front, so we’re going back out next Wednesday to those specific streets,” she said.
Those residents whose property was damaged by the storms, which passed through Murphy on Sunday, September 18, and who still have material to be picked up, must call the Customer Service hotline to be included in the Sept. 28 pick up and removal.
“We know exactly which streets were affected; but we need to find out which specific houses need a visit from the debris removal equipment. That’s why we need them to call and give us their address,” said McQuiston.
Removal equipment will only be dispatched to residences that call and request a truck. Calls should be made during normal business hours no later than Tuesday, Sept. 27. The number to call is the City’s Customer Service line, 972-468-4100.
The debris is being picked up at no charge to the homeowner.

TxDOT schedules two-day fix for coming weekend

MURPHY (September 3, 2011) The tooth-rattling, bone-jarring, catch-you-by-surprise bump that unaffectionately greets motorists traveling on FM 544 at the Kansas City Southern Railroad tracks will undergo some more work soon in an attempt to smooth it out. The vehicle/railroad intersection was re-planked last November and will once again be closed for portions of two or three days to accommodate the work, according to City Manager James Fisher. The City of Murphy is not involved in the repair, but will be assisting in managing traffic movement through the area during the work.
“The Texas Department of Transportation is working with the contractor and it appears that there will be activity starting on the evening of Thursday, September 8 and again on the evening of Friday, September 9,” he said. The work will occur in phases, affecting the eastbound lanes on one evening and the westbound lanes the next. The contractor has told TxDOT that they will remain fluid in how they will progress with the work, gauging the most effective and least obtrusive method. It appears that the work can be finished before the end of the weekend.
The work order, however, gives TxDOT until noon on Monday, Sept. 12 to complete the work. The area affected is the quarter-mile portion of FM 544 between Brand Road on the east and Heritage Parkway on the west. The Murphy Police Department has developed a traffic plan to deal with the disruption, the majority of which will likely occur on Saturday, Sept. 10. Most traffic will be diverted to Heritage Parkway during the repair work.
“There will be large construction equipment, workers and material that will be utilized in this repair. It’s really best if people avoid the area completely,” said Fisher.
For more information regarding this closure, please contact Barry Heard with TxDOT at 972-542-2345.