Murphy Messenger

City offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 22 and Friday, Nov. 23, 2012 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Normal operating hours will resume at 8 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 26, according to Rheannon Boe, Executive Assistant to the City Manager.
“Emergency services such as police and fire will continue to operate as normal through our 9-1-1 dispatch office,” she said. “Residents can feel assured that our public safety personnel will be on-duty 24 hours a day.”
However, not all emergencies rise to the level of 9-1-1, and for those emergencies that deal with water, wastewater or sewer issues, residents should call the after-hours hotline 972- 965-6200. The after-hours emergency number for animal control is 972-468-4236.
Non-emergency calls to the dispatch office can be made to 972-468-4236 and non-emergency calls to the Fire Department can be made to 972-468-4300.
Candy McQuiston, Customer Service Manager adds that garbage collection and recycling are not affected by the holiday schedule.
“Trucks will be out on the usual pick up days, so residents should be mindful of that and make sure their carts are out just like any normal week,” she said.
The City of Murphy extends wishes for a safe and restful Thanksgiving holiday to all residents and their families.

Christmas in the Park, Murphy’s annual community-wide event that signals the start of the Christmas holiday season, is set for Thursday, Dec. 6 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Municipal Complex, 206 North Murphy Road, according to Caitlyn Meehan, Recreation Supervisor.

“Every year, the City puts on its holiday trimmings and invites the larger Murphy community to come together for the traditional tree-lighting. It’s become a wonderful ritual for many of our families. It’s just a warm, friendly and inviting way to welcome the special time of year,” she said.

Families can enjoy each other’s company as they join other family groups in taking advantage of the festivities and activities which will be available during the ceremony. These include free photos with Santa Claus, a crafts and activities area for kids, live reindeer exhibit and the awe-inspiring laser light show at the end of the night’s activities.

“For entertainment, local choirs will open the event by singing traditional Christmas carols and other selections to set the mood up until 7 p.m., when the Mayor and Council will light the Christmas tree. Then, following the tree-lighting, Tim Urban, American Idol finalist from season nine, will perform for a full hour,” said Meehan.

The event is free, as is the parking at Tom Kimbrough Stadium and Murphy Marketplace, with continuous free shuttle service provided from those locations to the event site. Food and drinks will be available for cash purchase, and an ATM will be set up for the convenience of attendees.

“The excitement builds every year as we approach Christmas in the Park, and we’re most anxious to see the little faces of youngsters who may be attending their first one,” concluded Meehan.

Recycling in Murphy has seen an uncharacteristic downward trend declining in both tonnage and average pounds per home from 2011, according to Candy McQuiston, Customer Service Manager.

“Our recycling contractor, Waste Management, keeps close tabs on residential recycling, and they’ve seen a disturbing tendency toward lower overall numbers. Compared to 2011, recycling in Murphy is down about 20 percent,” she said.

Some Murphy firefighters will begin sprouting moustaches during the month of November as they participate in the international effort to raise awareness and funds in the fight against prostate and testicular cancer, according to Fire Chief Mark Lee.
“This year, a number of firefighters are joining up with a worldwide organization that raises funds through donations for moustache-growing, bringing attention to cancers that primarily affect males. We’re happy to do so, since these cancers are taking lives of fathers, grandfathers, sons, brothers and uncles,” he said.
Started in 2003 in Australia, the movement is called Movember and Sons. In Australia, a moustache is often referred to as a Mo. Since its inception, the organization has raised almost $300 million.
Murphy Driver-Engineer Drex Dorman is spearheading the drive, and the Fire Department will be challenging other City of Murphy departments for prizes in various categories.
“The donations raised support research and awareness, the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the LIVESTRONG Foundation. We’re hoping to get lots of participation,” said Dorman.
Moustache-growing contestants will be asked to gather donations for their hair-raising efforts.
The competition ends on Nov. 30. In early December, a select group of judges will determine the winners. Trophies will be awarded for best moustache, worst moustache, and most money raised.
Chief Lee is eager to see the Fire Dept. participate in this cause. “I’ve seen what these diseases can do to once healthy, strong men. Anything we can do to help in the fight, I’ll support.”

Qualified Murphy residents have an opportunity to contribute their time and expertise as members of the City’s various boards and commissions as there are approximately 28 seats available in the eight major boards or commissions, according to City Secretary Kristi Gilbert.

“The City Council strongly encourages as many citizens as possible to participate in the decision-making aspects of the community, and serving as a member of the various boards and commissions is an excellent way to do so,” said Murphy Mayor Bret Baldwin.

The City of Murphy’s signature public space, Murphy Central Park, is set for its official groundbreaking on Thursday, Oct. 25 at 5 p.m. on the grounds just north of the City’s Municipal Complex, 206 North Murphy Road, according to City Manager James Fisher.

“Central Park will be our City’s showcase outdoor venue where concerts and performing artists will be able to exhibit their talent. It will be the site of not only community gatherings, but family get-togethers as well. It will be a place for athletic teams to have a safe and secure place to play. It will also be an important element of our City’s commitment to the preservation of our natural beauty,” he said.

Appliances that use Freon must have proof of its removal

Residents with trash that is too large or bulky for the weekly collection have another opportunity to dispose of this material on Oct. 18 simply by putting it out on the curb, according to Customer Services Manager Candy McQuiston.

“Murphy’s contract with Waste Management includes two bulky trash pickups a year, and the next one is set for Thursday, October 18. Residents need not call to schedule a pickup, but must have their items curbside by 7 a.m. on that day,” she said.

In addition to the early pickup time, the following points are important to remember:

- All mowers and other motorized yard tools must have all gasoline and oil removed.

- Any metal placed by the curb should be in pieces no longer than 6 feet.

- Paint cans with wet paint are not accepted. However, cans with dry, solid paint are acceptable.

- Appliances, including refrigerators, are accepted. However, appliances with Freon must have it removed by a licensed technician, and the receipt must be taped on the item, otherwise it will not be picked up.

- Any item with a door must have it removed or securely locked to prevent children or animals from entering it.

- Brush must be cut into 3- to-4-foot long pieces and no larger than 6 inches in diameter, bundled and tied. The pile should be 4 feet long or less, and 3 feet high or less. Brush should be separated from other trash since it goes to a separate facility.

Items such as concrete, dirt and soil, construction materials, hazardous waste, wet paint, tires and car batteries will not be picked up. Roofing and construction contractors are generally obligated to remove the waste generated by their work, including wooden fence contractors.

“Residents should consider placing their bulky trash items on the curb on the night before the pickup. That way, there is no danger of missing the trucks, as the trucks will only make one pass through neighborhoods,” added McQuiston.

Murphy’s citizens are getting a return on their investment on Oct. 6 as Liberty Ridge Park, the latest renovated park in the Murphy system, opens officially with a dedication ceremony, according to Kim Lenoir, Director of Parks and Public Works.
“Liberty Ridge is the last neighborhood park remodeling or construction project resulting from funds approved in the 2008 Park Bond program. The Bond program provided $4.1 million for neighborhood parks and for support of community parks. Liberty Ridge is the last neighborhood park using Bond money. The community parks still under construction or renovation include Murphy Central Park, The Timbers Nature Preserve and North Hill Park,” she said.

Read more...

There are as many ways to enjoy Maize Days as there are attendees, and while everyone may have their own rules of engagement, the following are offered as a guide in helping make the day memorable and fun, according to Recreation Supervisor Caitlyn Meehan.

“Having worked the last couple of Maize Days events has given me a chance to compile a list of handy tips and ideas. This list of tips is by no means complete or comprehensive, since many attendees have their own, but it’s a place to start,” she said.

Read the unofficial City Council meeting summary, including information on the Plano Sports Authority proposal.

Read more...