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Ask The Mayor
Do you have a question about City Government? Have you ever wondered why we do what we do, or even how we do what we do? This is your opportunity to find out! - Mayor Hal Richards
Submit a question to the Mayor or City Staff regarding City of Terrell business on the Ask the Mayor form. We will post questions and answers on this page.
This is a service provided for Terrell residents and businesses only. We look forward to your questions!
| Date | Question and Answers |
| 3/2010 | Q. - You came to our co-op yesterday and told us all about the things you do as Mayor. You briefly said something about volunteer work that someone could do to help at city hall. . .Read More
Answer - Thank you for your inquiry. Local governments
typically make a limited number of unpaid volunteer slots available.
Sometimes these are Library positions, occasionally other Departments
in a City have opportunities |
| 2/2010 | Q. Does the City of Terrell allowed a property tax cap for seniors age 65. . . Read More
Answer - A 2003 Constitutional amendment provided
for ways that a City can freeze property taxes for taxpayers over
the age of 65. School taxes are automatically frozen at age 65.
. . |
| 2/2010 | Q. - I know this is not the
city's responsibility, but maybe you can refer me to the proper authority.
Can the trees around power lines be trimmed? . . . Read
More Answer - If you have a concern about the trees
that might interfere with your power lines, call your Retail Electric
Provider |
| 2/2010 | Q. - How do I locate the property owner and status for property I lived on with my parents as a child?
Answer - The County Clerk in Kaufman has all of the property records. The Kaufman County Appraisal Office in Kaufman may also be able to help. |
| 1/2010 | Q - I am wondering what
one would do to get a "handicap" marker for myself. I'm
told it is up to the city. I need one and live at the Terrell Senior
Citizens Terraces. Thanks.
|
| 1/2010 | Q. - Annually, someone from City Hall makes an inspection of rentals in the city. The last time I saw them they told me to call if I had any questions etc. I don't remember what department they are in or what number I would call. Can you help?
Answer - The City began making annual inspections
of all multifamily apartments in the City about one year ago, basically
using US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) standards.
. . Read More |
| 11/2009 | Q. - With the tremendous numbers of kids of all ages who play soccer, why doesn't the City explore grants or financing for lights around the soccer fields. . .Read More
Answer - Having had soccer players in my family, I am very familiar with the need to light the soccer fields. There have been a number of ongoing efforts to find funding for lighting for the soccer fields. . .Read More |
| 11/2009 | Q. - We have 2 large pecan trees on the property between the sidewalk and the street in front of our house.
Each fall we have people come down the street picking up pecans from these trees, sometimes coming into the yard. When we asked them not to pick up the pecans in front of our house, they claimed that we did not own that property and they could pick up all that they wanted and there was nothing that we could do about it. . . Read More
Answer - Nobody has a right to come onto your property to pick up pecans from your trees and any property owner has the right to tell someone to stay off of their property. . . Read More |
| 11/2009 | Q. - I would like to know what can be done to help and protect single families when landlords are not doing thier part of fixing a water leak or getting rid of mold and other pests? . . . Read More
Answer - The appropriate organization for you to contact regarding a mold problem would be . . . Read More |
| 11/2009 | Q. - When will the City of Terrell get a memorial to our veterans? . . . Read More
Answer - Recently, one of our outstanding Terrell High School students, Chase Mosley, has launched just such an effort. . . Read More |
| 10/2009 | Q. - Will the police officers ever get a new police department? . . . Read More
Answer - I don’t know of anyone who thinks that our police facility is adequate. In terms of new facility needs it is at the top of our list. . . Read More |
| 10/2009 | Q. - When you call 911 for assistance, the fire department arrives before the ambulance. . .Read More
Answer - The East Texas EMS ambulances and personnel have more medical capabilities than the Terrell Fire Department. . . Read More |
| 10/2009 | My daughter, KJ, and I took a book of pictures to the Mayor's office many weeks ago.
I have been teaching KJ the value of community. . . Read More
Answer - The property you refer to is owned by an out of state company. The City of Terrell requires all property owners to maintain their property, keeping it mowed and free of debris. The City can require this because we are responsible for public health and safety. . .Read More
|
| 10/2009 | Q. - Our water is being shut off at the Oak Ridge Apartments, and the property is being foreclosed on.
We had no notice, we have no place to re-locate. . .Read More
Answer - For about six months The City of Terrell Utility Department has been attempting to collect past due water and sewer bills owed by the Oak Ridge Apartments. . .Read More |
| 9/2009 | Q. - What is it going to take to get a city ordinance passed to require all pawn shops and the like registered with online law enforcement. . . Read More
Answer -We did some research on your question and I would like to provide the following information.
The only site we are aware of is a commercial for-profit site, Leads Online. It is not free to us. We pay about $1500 per year for access. Pawn brokers do not have to pay to post their items but they do have to pay the cost of the technology and labor to do upload information. . . . Read More |
| 9/2009 | Q. - My concern is the new baseball complex. I know a lot of people worked hard to get these built and get the Little League World Series here. . . Read More
Answer - The new baseball fields were constructed in advance of the Dixie League World Series hosted in Terrell. Putting on that event was one of the Terrell community's shining moments. . . Read More |
| 9/2009 | Q. - Hi, I am new to Terrell and I was just wondering what to do when I hear gunfire. . . Read More
Answer - The address you submitted at appears to be in the Lawrence Community. If that is your residence address, you do not reside within the city limits of the City of Terrell. . .Read More |
| 8/2009 | Q. - Does Terrell have a city ordinance regarding leaving an animal unattended in a hot vehicle? Read More
Answer - According to Police Chief Lay, a case like you described would most likely be considered under the Texas Penal Code relating to cruelty to non-livestock animals. . . Read More |
| 7/2009 | Q. - Do I need a permit to have a garage sale at my home?
Answer - You do not need a permit for a garage sale, however... Read More |
| 6/2009 | Q. - I am confused. I was told, when I moved to this town, that the alley ways are for city and utility use only.
If so, why was my neighbor cited for the overgrowing
weeds in between their two homes? . . . Read
More Answer - I believe our ordinance regarding the maintenance of easements and alleys is generally like those in most Texas Cities. . . Read More |
| 6/2009 | Q. - I am a new resident on Samuels
Rd. I would like to know when the Samuels Rd. and Cr 233 will be
paved with blacktop tar. . . Read More Answer - It appears to me that your address is outside of the Terrell City Limits . . . Read More |
| 6/2009 | Q. - I am having a real problem with handicapped parking.
Every time I go to the laundromat, grocery stores, etc. there are cars parked in the spots. . . Read More
Answer - This is an unfortunate and unacceptable situation.
I forwarded the information to Terrell Police Department. . . Read More
|
| 6/2009 | Q. - When will the streets in Terrell be repaved? Specifically - Griffith was topped with a "temporary" layer of tar and gravel. . . Read More
Answer - The Griffith situation is not a simple one. There is no question that it is a street in need of some major work.
There are two complicating factors. . . Read More |
| 6/2009 | Q. - The city's website states that the pool has family swim Fridays and Sundays form 3-6. I showed up with my family to a sign hanging stating closed on Sundays to the public. . . Read More
Answer - The website has been updated to reflect the pool's modified hours.
The city staff made a decision to close on Sundays because of a lack of sufficient attendance and the cost of operation. . . Read More |
| 6/2009 | Q. - Are there any future plans to make the downtown area into an arts district with more apartment lofts, art galleries, movie theaters, shopping, wine tasting and restaurants? . . . Read More
Answer - A facility locator looking for a site in Terrell recently remarked how unusually vital our downtown area is. . . Read More |
| 5/2009 | Q. - The house at 845 Circle Dr. is vacant and has been for several months. The grass is over knee high. How do we report this to Code Enforcement?
|
| 5/2009 | Q. - How do we get the storm debris removed from our street? I have been promised by the trash pickup that they would get it 2 Fridays ago. . . Read More
Answer - You are correct that there has been a brush pickup on part of Griffith and on my street, Cartwright. It is incorrect that either Councilman Thurman or I have requested or received special service. As a matter of fact, I sent away the crew that came to pick up the small pile of brush at my house! I took care of it myself.
Here is the latest information as of May 22. . . Read More |
| 5/2009 | Q. - How can we get another cable company in Terrell. Other companies have better promotions than Suddenlink.
Answer - The City's franchise agreement with Suddenlink expires this year. When the agreement expires, the City will consider all possibilities in a new franchise agreement. . .Read More |
Archives |
|
| Topic | Question and Answer |
| Building Permits | Q - What work can I do inside my home without having to apply for a permit? Answer |
| City Appearance | Q - Is there a way that the city can pass an ordinance on non-working vehicle parked in front of their home? Answer
Q - I recently moved back to Terrell after 30 years. I am amazed as to how the residential areas have deteriorated. What happened and how can this be resolved? Answer |
| City Hall | Q. - How do I go about trying to get a city ordinance changed or modified? Answer
Q.- Why does the City of Terrell not fly the American Flag outside city hall? Answer |
| City Newsletter | Q - Can the minutes of the Council meetings and agendas be included in that newsletter? Answer
Q. - Comments on City Newsletter. Answer
Q. - How can we learn more about new businesses in Terrell? Answer |
| City Services | Q. - What are the chances of getting Wi Fi Internet service in Terrell? Answer |
| Crime | Q. - My house was recently robbed on 11-16-08. . . Answer
Q. - I saw recent reports on WFAA-TV Channel 8 News regarding a robbery spree of area convenience stores in Terrell. Answer
Q. - What is being done to stop the the increasing number of break-ins of homes and businesses? Answer
Q - Our neighborhood has experienced a rash of thefts.What can we do to get a curfew imposed? Answer |
| Development | Q - With the Trans Texas Corridor gaining some steam. . .what is Terrell doing in order to keep this out of our back yard? |
| Emergencies | Q - Who is in charge of Emergency Management or homeland security in case of evacuations, etc.? Answer |
| Employment | Q. - I have applied for several job openings with the City. To date I have not been contacted. Answer
Q - I am interested in working for the City of Terrell, part time, in any capacity. Answer |
| Illegal Immigrants | Q. - Has the city addressed the subject of illegal immigrants? Answer
Q. - I too am concerned about the growing number of illegal immigrants. Answer
Q - What is Terrell doing about all the illegals here? Answer |
| Improvements | Q - Just wanted to make a note that I can really start to see huge improvements around town and I want to thank the Mayor, City Council, and staff. Having worked for the city for years I know the work and dedication that it takes by all members and I want you all to know it is not going un-noticed. Thanks again for all of your hard work. |
| Parks | Q. - There are 8 lights out on the walking path at the city park and around the pavilion area. Answer |
| Parking | Q - One of the problems, in my opinion, for the downtown area is lack of parking!!! . . .Is is not feasible to build a parking garage? Answer
Q - Would a multi-level parking facility be feasible? Answer |
| Rental Property | Q. - I called to report a substandard rent house across the street from my home. I am concerned about the ordinance regarding rental properties. Answer |
| Safety | Q. - A house in my neighborhood has a built in pool that has never had a fence around it. I was under the impression at least a 4’ fence has to protect children from falling in that pool. Answer
Q. - What are the current ordinances regarding carbon monoxide detectors in homes and businesses in Terrell? Answer |
| Sanctuary | Q - I am seeing an increasingly amount of hispanics in the Great City of Terrell. Is Terrell considered a "sanctuary city"? Answer |
| Streets & Traffic | Q. - There are no speed limit signs on the new Highway 34 extension. Answer
Q. - Why, ever since the camera was installed at Hwy 205 and 80, is the light cycle off so often? Answer
Q. - Are the companies that run the red light program in Terrell licensed in all aspects by Texas law that you are aware of? . . .Answer
Q. - I have reported the street lights out on 2578 from Hwy 34 to the Bridge Crossing Interstate 20 . . . Answer
Q - Why don't we put a stoplight at the intersection of 205 and Colquitt? . . . Answer
Q - Recently I was traveling on CR 305. I was unaware that this road is impassable to all but the most hardy 4-wheel drive. Answer
Q - Among
several others, I daily walk my dog along Windsor Avenue between
Rockwall and FM 2578. While there are no sidewalks . . .Answer Q. - How can I get a pothole fixed? Answer
Q - Why was the issue of red light cameras not presented to the citizens? Answer |
| Taxes | Q. - I am fairly new to the city of Terrell at just a little over two years. I have noticed that the property taxes seems a little on the high side. Answer
Q. - I would like to know if you intend to raise the city's tax rate. Answer Q. - On my most current tax statement there was an indication that city taxes were reduced by sales. What does this mean? Answer |
| Volunteers | Q - I am looking to offer a helping hand to those elderly in need. . . .However I don't know how to go about finding those that truly need help. Answer |
| Website | Q - Why isn't SWCC listed on your list of sites in Terrell? Answer |
Submit a question to the Mayor or City Staff regarding
City of Terrell business on the Ask the Mayor form.
City of Terrell
201 East Nash St.
P.O. Box 310
Terrell, Texas 75160
972-551-6600
Metro 972-524-3332
Fax 972-551-6682
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