Page 353 - Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council

BENBROOK HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

As summer began, the Street Department crews completed asphalt overlay of Benbrook streets and re-striping
projects; Tarrant County assisted in this joint venture by providing equipment and workers. The City hosted another
electronic waste/document shredding even in July. In preparation for increased vehicular and pedestrian traffic
associated with the opening of the new Westpark Elementary School in August, the Council adopted an ordinance
amending the speed limit on FM 2871 between the Benbrook City limit line and Benbrook Boulevard and portions of
Jerry Dunn Parkway and Whitestone Ranch Road. The Benbrook Economic Development Corporation promoted the
Veggie Van at Dutch Branch Park to create a market for fresh produce and to stimulate more-healthy living. The City
ended the summer with acceptance of three honors: the 2016 Certificate for Planning Excellence from the Texas
Chapter of the American Planning Association, the GFOA award for Distinguished Budget Presentation, and the GFOA
certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Planning.

The autumn of 2016 ushered in additional honors for the City through the gold level recertification from the Texas
Scenic City Certification program and the Best Practices Achievement Award for the Benbrook Police Department.
Heritage Fest was a rousing success and provided great opportunities for Benbrook’s young and old to celebrate the
City’s heritage and prepare for the future. The Police and Fire Department partnered to host “National Take-Back
Initiative” for safe disposal of prescription and over-the-counter medications. In November, the Benbrook Veterans
Memorial was dedicated at Dutch Branch Park. As winter approached, Mr. and Mrs. Claus visited Benbrook to promote
Winter Wonderland.

2017

In January, Council kicked off a year of infrastructure improvements and new projects by approving a street light
project for Bellaire Drive using Community Development Block Grants funds. February featured the awarding of a
design contract for the new animal shelter; the construction contract was awarded in September. In April Council
approved a ground lease agreement with a local church for construction of South Benbrook Park; the new park was
dedicated in November. Also in April, Council approved a contract for construction of Benbrook Field Drive; this new
thoroughfare was completed before year’s end to provide improved access to commercial land west of Benbrook
Boulevard. In June a construction contract was awarded for the Sundown Drive drainage project; another drainage
project was approved in November for Timberline Drive. Engineering and construction plans were developed for the
extension of Vista Way from Mercedes Street to the Interstate 20 frontage road – just west and parallel to Benbrook
Boulevard; this roadway is another project to improve and to encourage commercial development.

CITY OF BENBROOK 2018-19 ANNUAL BUDGET
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