Wedgwood Square Neighborhood Association

The below is a letter sent by Wedgwood Square Neighborhood Empowerment Zone to the Fort Worth City Council relative to City Council agenda item M&C G-17030 relative to alter the Fort Worth City Code of Ethics and making changes to the Ethics Review Committee. This item was a last minute revision to the August 24, 2010 Council agenda, following an un-televised Special Meeting/Special Hearing at which the City Council overturned an Ethic Decision previously made and appealed relative to the Fort Worth Mayor's Air Quality Testing Committee and the appointment of three natural gas industry representatives to that Committee.

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August 24, 2010

City of Fort Worth Mayor and City Council:

RE: M&C G-17030 [Ethics Committee Discussion and Action Item August 24, 2010]

Based upon the comments received by residents, it is appropriate for Wedgwood Square Neighborhood Empowerment Zone to comment on M&C G-17030.

First and foremost, Wedgwood Square NEZ wishes to inform this representative governing body that based upon the overwhelming response of opposition and outrage from the residents, Wedgwood Square NEZ adamantly opposes approval in part or in whole of M&C G-17030.

It is the collective opinion of this neighborhood that:

* It was a mistake to overturn the decision of the Ethics Review Committee, particularly as this action took place at a Special Hearing that was not recorded or aired for the citizens of Fort Worth, despite the City's ability to do so.

* It is a mistake to replace the current, dedicated Ethics Review Committee Appointees, particularly as this action was announced at the same unaired Special Hearing at which the Mayor and Council overturned the Ethics Review Committee's ruling

* It is a mistake to alter Ethics Policy relative to real or perceived conflicts of interest of persons serving on Special Committees, particularly as this intended action was announced at the same Special Hearing at which the Ethics Review Committee's decision was overturned and an announcement was made of intent to replace the Ethics Review Committee Appointees.

* It is a mistake to create the conflict that can and will arise should the Fort Worth City Attorney be given the responsibility and authority to complete preliminary reviews of all Ethics Complaints and then advise the Ethics Review Committee of the City Attorney's role in such Ethics Complaints as applicable.

* It is a mistake to so obviously expedite this matter without significant public notice or public process, as is the case, particularly as City Government Ethics Rules are significant to all matters of City Government.

* It is a mistake to consider, review, hear, or take action on any and all of the above and on M&C G-17030 at a morning City Council Meeting, rather than an evening City Council Meeting, knowing that this time of day will exclude the greater majority of Citizens from inclusion in this important process, particularly as this will disallow citizens to provide their input and voice their position and concerns and have their questions addressed and answered.

These actions, separately and/or combined, are a direct affront to the Voting, Tax-paying Citizens of Fort Worth and greatly demonstrate a complete disregard for the democratic process, raising overwhelming concern for the integrity of the governing body of the City of Fort Worth.

Regards,

Tolli Thomas, Wedgwood Square NEZ

Below is an emailed letter forwarded by Wedgwood Square to Fort Worth City's Appointed Special Event Advisory Committee, Fort Worth City's Mayor and all City Councilpersons regarding the recently proposed Special Events Ordinance that Fort Worth City is considering implementing in coming weeks.

This ordinance carries strong impacts that may effect you. The proposed ordinance includes First Amendment Rights implications in addition to serious financial impacts, insurance mandates, application and permitting requirements, and hefty violation fines for any out door event on public or private property, that fits within recommended parameters.

For more information regarding proposed Special Events Ordinance, go online to http://www.fortworthgov.org/specialevents/?id=74570

Please contact the City Council and Mayor as well as the Special Events Advisory Committee with your comments and consider attending tonight's or another upcoming public hearing on this matter.

Thank you!!!

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How to offer feedback: Several opportunities are available for offering your comments about the proposed ordinance:

* Send e-mail to
SpecialEvents@fortworthgov.org, mike.moncrief@fortworthgov.org,
District2@fortworthgov.org, District3@fortworthgov.org, District4@fortworthgov.org, District5@fortworthgov.org,
District6@fortworthgov.org, District7@fortworthgov.org,
District8@fortworthgov.org, District9@fortworthgov.org

* TONIGHT~ On June 7, the Special Events Advisory Committee will hold a public hearing on the proposed ordinance. The meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. at the Botanic Garden Center Lecture Hall, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd.

* On June 21, the Special Events Advisory Committee will hold a public hearing on the proposed ordinance. The meeting will be at 6 p.m. at the Botanic Garden Center Lecture Hall, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd.

* On July 13, the City Council will conduct a public hearing at its regularly scheduled meeting to consider adoption of the ordinance. City Hall is located at 1,000 Throckmorton Street Fort Worth, Texas 76102

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June 7, 2010

RE: Fort Worth City Proposed Special Events Ordinance

Committee Members, Mayor and Councilpersons:

After review and discussion of Fort Worth City's recent proposed Special Events Ordinance, Wedgwood Square Neighborhood Association & Neighborhood Empowerment Zone wishes to enter the following comments into the public record for consideration.

The Special Events Ordinance, viewed separately and in conjunction with other recently passed ordinances, denote that it has become common practice to address a minimal or isolated issue with a broad and
unnecessary ordinance that punishes the abiding, that is hugely costly and burdens responsible Citizens during a time of economic recession, that is often inconvenient or difficult to adhere to, that is largely
unenforceable, and that is inconsistent and contradictory. Questions have been raised regarding motive; specifically, suspicions have surfaced that such ordinances are less related to resolving important civic issues and more related to public appearance and to padding the coffers.

For many years, Neighborhoods and Neighborhood Alliances, Organizations, and collaborative efforts have worked diligently to tear down the proverbial wall between City Hall and the Citizens. As of late, it appears that our current representative government is working to rebuild that wall, brick by brick, using ordinances as the mortar.

The average Citizen and Neighborhood Organizations are being excluded from discussions and processes related to the direction of our City's development, though Citizens, above all, are most effected. Outcome-based processes, protocol, and appointments are being made at the City's discretion; "stakeholders" is the new buzz word for these appointments. ALL Fort Worth Citizens and taxpayers are stakeholders in any matter related to the public coffers. Citizens' voices should be given the greatest weight and Citizens should have every opportunity for inclusion on all matters directly effecting daily living.

Fort Worth Neighborhood Representatives were markedly excluded from the production and proposal of this Special Events Ordinance, though Citizens and Neighborhood Organizations will be impacted by every division and section of the document. This exclusion is a violation of already wavering trust.

The Special Events Ordinance specifically states that Fort Worth City's special events, "enhance Fort Worth lifestyle and provide benefits to citizens and visitors that are not normally provided as part of governmental services..."; that "the citizens of Fort Worth often engage in special events on city owned property and private property..." and that "it is also the intent of the City Council to protect the rights of its citizens to engage in protected free speech expression activities with the
least restrictive and reasonable time, place and manner regulations of those activities ..." and yet this ordinance seems content to diminish such.

This ordinance, as written, practices to hinder Community and Neighborhood Organizations headed by Citizens working to organize and strengthen Community and additionally hinders Citizens' First Amendment Rights, by inflicting additional regulatory action and excessive oversight.

The proposed Special Events Ordinance, as written, is more than imperfect, it is an infringement. It would thus be insufficient for City Representatives to respond to Neighborhoods with acknowledgments that the 'ordinance is imperfect,' but simply 'a place to begin,' which 'can be revised and made better in the future;' another response of such would fall tragically short of responsible representation.

Wedgwood Square NA & NEZ, embodying more than 1,000 residences and approximately 300 businesses of District 6, respectfully requests that this ordinance, in its current form, be rejected, that significant
addition of Neighborhood Organization Representatives be made to the Special Events Ordinance Committee, and that the entire Special Events Ordinance (Divisions 1 through 13) be reviewed, determined to be wholly necessary and practical and if so, be revised with Citizens' and Neighborhood Organizations' input and interests in mind and protected.

Input sought on animal ordinance concepts

The City of Fort Worth is increasingly concerned about the growing number of stray animals, particularly large aggressive dogs, being reported by citizens, captured and handled by Animal Care and Control Officers and boarded in our shelter.

For example, in 2004 a total of 2,154 pit bulls/pit bull mixes were impounded at Fort Worth's animal shelter representing 17% of all impounds. In 2008, a total of 4,631 pit bulls/pit bull mixes were impounded representing 33% of all impounds. Additionally, 36% of all stray dog calls in 2008 were described as aggressive large dogs.

With the potential associated risk, the city is inviting public input on concepts under consideration aimed at responding to this increasing public safety concern. As a leader in your community, we believe it is important to engage you and your neighbors in this process as early as possible.

It is important to note that there is no formal recommendation on any of these concepts.

It is the city's intent to open a dialogue with its citizens and partners to discuss any and all ideas which might reduce the number of stray aggressive animals and the obvious public safety risks they pose. Below is a sampling of the concepts to be discussed:

* Create "aggressive dog" classification that defines behavior that indicates a propensity for aggression and would trigger enhanced safeguards.

* Require spay/neuter for all dogs and cats in Fort Worth, with exemptions for legitimate breeders and medical exemptions documented through veterinarians.

* Establish variable fencing/enclosure requirements based on a dog's height and weight.

* Prohibit declared dangerous dogs from other jurisdictions from relocating to Fort Worth.

* Establish minimum pen sizes for dogs placed in dog runs.

* Significant fee/fine increases for ordinance violators.

* Use of chemical immobilization for capturing aggressive large animals.

We are strongly encouraging other ideas and concepts from the public and our partners.

A number of public meetings have been scheduled and we invite your participation.

* Tuesday, May 19 - 6-9 p.m. at Travis Avenue Baptist Church, 3028 Lipscomb St.

* Thursday, May 28 - 6-9 p.m. at Meadowbrook United Methodist Church, 3900 Meadowbrook Drive.

* Thursday, June 4 - 6-9 p.m. at Goodwill Industries Community Garden Room, 4005 Campus Drive.

* Saturday, June 6 - 9 a.m.-noon at Fort Worth Botanic Garden Dorothea Leonhardt Lecture Hall, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd.

Other ways to participate in this dialogue include:

* Access the city's Web site for more details and information updates at http://www.FortWorthGov.org/animals/ordinance

* E-mail codecares@fortworthgov.org [mailto:codecares@fortworthgov.org

* Call 817-392-6323 and ask for Pamela Lambert-Turner

Our partnership with you and your community is important and we hope you will participate in this important dialogue. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or to provide feedback.

Public Meeting-Large Animal Ordinance

City of Fort Worth Community Relations Department : Public Meeting-Large Animal Ordinance (Revision) Fort Worth's Planning and Development Department will be conducting a public meeting on regulations for owning large animals. The time and location for the
meeting is as follows:

November 29, 2007 at 7 p.m.
Lowery Elementary School (in the Gymnasium)
7600 Lowery Rd.

During the meeting, city representatives will discuss proposed changes to city codes and zoning ordinances regarding large animals kept within Fort Worth's city limits. Some of these animals include horses, cows, sheep, goats and large birds.

What are the new proposed regulations to the large animal regulations?

* Require 10,000 square feet of pasture per regulated animal, in addition to the 100-foot distance from a regulated structure only in districts zoned A-# One Family and B Two Family, and prohibit ownership in lots zoned (R1-MU).

* Require 5,000 square feet of pasture per regulated animal, in addition to the 100-foot distance from a regulated structure only in districts zoned A-# One Family and B Two Family, and prohibit ownership in lots zoned (R1-MU) ONLY for goats and miniature horses.

* Limit the number of large animals to a total of six (6) per house. Of that only three (3) could be cows, however, one could have total of six (6) horses goats, or other large animals.

* Do not include baby animals until they are past the weaning stage in their life.

* Require a minimum of ½an acre, with all lots contiguous and owned by the resident owner.

* Allow the owner to live within ¼ mile by right, anything further would require approval by the Board of Adjustment.

* Require appropriate waste control, and require that any shelter conform to City codes.

* Permit an owner to apply for a special exception, if they cannot comply with items above.

Special Exception in "A-#" or "B"

* The Board of Adjustment could determine what distance away from the property with the large animals would be sufficient.

The Board of Adjustment shall considering the following:

* Number and type of animals to be kept

* Distance of pasture and shelter from neighboring residences

* Incidence of other animals within ¼ mile

* Condition of barn stables and impact on adjacent properties

* Provision of parking or storage for any trailers, in accordance with City Code

* Provision of additional setbacks and screening

* Other factors as appropriate

For more information please contact Alex Parks (Planning and Development) at 817-392-2638, Esther Alvarado (Code Enforcement) at 817-740-2030, Rebecca Leal (Code Enforcement) at 817-871-5385 or Rene Rodriguez (Code Enforcement) at 817-392-2350.

Forwarded by Fort Worth City

Information on City Sponsored Public Hearings, Events and Programs

*City of Fort Worth Public Hearings on the 2005/06 Budget
*Officials Increase Security at Fort Worth City Hall
*Fort Worth Public Library Photography Exhibit
*Home Improvement Loan May Be the Answer for You

City of Fort Worth Public Hearings on the 2005/06 Budget The Fort Worth City Council began the FY 2005/06 Budget process on Tuesday, August 9, 2005, with the receipt of the proposed budget. Public Hearings on the proposed budget will be held on:
Tuesday, August 23, 2005 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday, September 6, 2005 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005 7:00 p.m.

Fort Worth taxpayers may attend these public meetings and may participate in the public hearings. The proposed budget will be available for inspection by any taxpayer at the City's branch libraries, regional libraries, the City Secretary's Office, and by internet at the City's web site: http://www.fortworthgov.org/budget/06/index.asp

Officials Increase Security at Fort Worth City Hall Increased security measures are in operation at City Hall. Now, anyone entering
City Hall must pass through metal detectors, located at the north and south ends of the building.

Visitors also are required to empty the contents of their pockets into trays. This includes cell phones, pagers, keys and loose change. All bags, briefcases and purses also will be inspected. If you have an appointment at City Hall, arrive early to give yourself a little extra time to pass through security. The city is committed to keeping your safety its priority.

Fort Worth Public Library Photography Exhibit The Fort Worth Public Library is pleased to announce its upcoming exhibit, Heaven on a Biscuit, photographs by Loli Kantor. A portion of the exhibit will open on September 1, in the West Wing of the Central Library's Grand Hall of
Knowledge. This will be featured in conjunction with Gallery Night on September 10. The Library is located at 500 W. 3rd Street.

Heaven on a Biscuit, an extended portrait of Hip Pocket Theater, was first exhibited at the Arlington Museum of Art in 2004. The full exhibit will move to the Gallery at the Central Library in November as part of a major exhibit celebrating the history of Hip Pocket Theater. The Theater will display costumes, puppets and props as part of a retrospective of its thirty years in Fort Worth.

In 2001, Kantor made a career change to pursue photography as a vocation working with local arts organizations and as an exhibiting artist. Her interest in documenting theater and performance arts led to this five-year photo documentary of the Hip Pocket Theater in Fort Worth.

She is an active member of group f.8, a Fort Worth photography cooperative. To date, most of her work focuses on the creative process of varied art forms, especially dance, live theater and puppetry. Kantor also photographs subjects that have to do with her past as a daughter of Polish Jewish Holocaust survivors, and her ties to Central Europe and Israel, where she travels constantly. Admission to the exhibit is free.
Fort Worth Public Library's Central location is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 817-871-READ or TDD 817-871-8926.

Home Improvement Loan May Be the Answer for You Interested in a home rehabilitation loan? Refinancing your current high interest
loan with a home improvement loan or purchasing a home that needs repair?

If so, a new loan fund - made possible by local bank investments and the City of Fort Worth - may be the answer.

Three area banks have stepped forward to initiate the Fort Worth Central Community Development Corporation. Focusing on homeowners in the Central City, the loan fund is designed to help low-to- moderate income homeowners (a family of four can earn up to $50,150) protect their most important asset - their home.

The following types of loans are available:
* Home improvement
* Purchase/rehabilitation
* Renovation/refinance

With easier loan qualifications and lower interest rates, Fort Worth Central Loan Fund is helping to maintain quality neighborhood housing. Plus, eligible borrowers may qualify for even lower interest rates.

If this is the type of loan program you've been waiting for, call the Fort Worth Housing Department at 817-392-7340 and mention the new loan fund.

The Fort Worth Public Library is adjusting hours to improve customer service. Starting May 1, nine branch libraries will open earlier and close earlier on some days. The Central Library and two regional libraries will not change. Hours at the Ella Mae Shamblee Branch, Butler Outreach Library Division (BOLD), and Cavile Opportunity Outreach Library (COOL) will also stay the same. A recent library usage study shows that customers use the libraries more during the morning hours. This adjustment will greatly benefit senior citizens, retirees, stay-at-home parents, home-schoolers as well as daycares, businesses, and community organizations.

For more information about library hours, call 817-871-READ or view new hours at http://www.fortworthlibrary.org/branch_hours.pdf