Page 342 - Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council

BENBROOK HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Act of 2002 (HAVA) to Tarrant County entities holding elections – through sharing, lease, or other means. Entities
holding elections in May of even-numbered years, including the City of Benbrook, were encouraged to provide another
means of conducting their own elections through: (1) purchasing the necessary equipment to hold the elections, (2)
changing councilmember terms so that members are only elected in odd-numbered years, or (3) adopting a resolution
moving the May general election date to the November general election date.

Senate Bill 100 authorized municipalities to change the May election date to the November Uniform Election date by
adopting a resolution. Because the Benbrook City Council believed that it was to the advantage of the City, its citizens,
and the pursuit of democracy, Resolution Number 2012-01 was adopted at the January 19, 2012 regular City Council
meeting. The passage of Resolution 2012-01 adjusted the terms of office of Council Members elected to places 2, 4,
and 6 in May 2010 to the November 2012 Uniform Election date. The terms of the City Council elected to positions of
Mayor (place 1) and places 3, 5, and 7 in May 2011 were adjusted to be elected at the November 2013 Uniform Election
date. After November 2013, the terms of office are two years with the terms for places 2, 4, and 6 running from
November to November in even-numbered years and the terms of places 1, 3, 5, and 7 running from November to
November in odd-numbered years.

In February 2012, the City’s website went mobile. The City continued its efforts to provide communication tools that
further engage citizens. By using mobile phone application technology, the City’s Information Technology Department
added to the City’s website a more user-friendly version for those who access the internet through smartphones. For
smartphone users, the new “mobile” webpages are easier to view, browse, and navigate.

Rolling Hills Park was officially opened on April 14, 2012. The Benbrook City Council and City Staff, along with several
dozen community members, celebrated the opening of Rolling Hills Park, located at 6970 Rolling Hills Drive. Rolling
Hills Park is the first neighborhood park to be constructed in Benbrook in nearly thirty years. The 4.3 acre park offers
amenities for the entire family; facilities include: a jogging trail, pavilion, picnic tables, a sand volleyball court, shaded
playground equipment, outdoor exercise equipment, and a half-court basketball court.

The Benbrook Historical Society (BHS) became official in April 2012 when the initial board members approved bylaws
and elected additional board members. As part of the vision that Benbrook’s Mayor has had for some time, the group
is prepared to fulfill the mission of preserving Benbrook history. The mission of the Benbrook Historical Society is to
seek out, preserve, properly archive, and make available to the public, stories, landmarks, and items of historical value
that reflect the rich history of Benbrook, Texas. Membership activities include educational endeavors, publications,
CITY OF BENBROOK 2018-19 ANNUAL BUDGET
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