July 21, 2023

Featured News 📰

Would You Like to Serve on the

Rowlett City Council?

At this week’s meeting, the City Council accepted the resignation of Councilmember Place 1, Brian Galuardi. On August 15, 2023, City Council will order a special election to fill this vacancy. The filing period will be from August 16-September 6 at 5 p.m. Residents interested in becoming a candidate may Request a Candidate Guide.

Early Voting - October 23, 2023 - November 3, 2023

Election Day - Tuesday, November 7, 2023

More info…

City Honors 28th Rowlett Vet

At Tuesday night's City Council Meeting, 100-year-old WWII Combat Bomber Pilot Carl S. Chilton, Jr. was honored and recognized as our 28th Rowlett Vet! Mr. Chilton answered the call of duty and joined the U.S. Army Air Corps during the Second World War. He was assigned as a bomber crew pilot to the 410th Bombardment Group & Ninth Air Force. 2nd Lt. Chilton flew 13 Combat Missions over Germany and occupied France and Belgium in support of various missions. He flew the B-26 / A-20 Twin Engine Bomber!

The City instituted the Rowlett Vet program in 2017 to show appreciation to those members in our community who have dedicated their time in service to our nation. Assisting with the selection and recognition of honorees is the Veterans Resource and Outreach Center. The Rowlett Veterans Recognition Program also helps bring awareness to veterans’ issues in our community – what is being done and what is still needed.

We hope you will join us as we welcome Carl S. Chilton, Jr. into the ranks of our Rowlett Vets!

Free Mosquito Dunks Available

This week, a mosquito testing positive for the West Nile Virus was discovered in Rowlett's southeast quadrant. As a result, Dallas County conducted ground spraying of Zone 2 on July 18 & 19. If you would like to help control the mosquito population around your home, FREE Mosquito Dunks are available while supplies last to Rowlett residents at Community Development, 5702 Rowlett Rd., Mon-Thu, 8 am – 6 pm.

For additional information about West Nile disease or mosquito breeding please contact the Environmental Health Division at 972-412-6125, Dallas County Health Department at 214-819-2115, or visit Dallascounty.org

Zone map and more info about the City of Rowlett Mosquito Management Program here...

Rowlett Police and Fire Departments Conducting Active Shooter Training

Next week, the Rowlett Police Department and Rowlett Fire Department will be conducting an active shooter unified command training at Schrade Middle School.

The training will take place on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, from 7am to 7pm.

During these days, you might notice a significant presence of police and fire personnel in the area.

We kindly ask residents to avoid the vicinity of the school during the training and not to be alarmed by the increased emergency service activity. Your safety and security are our top priorities, and this training is essential for ensuring a coordinated response in case of emergencies. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Town Hall Meeting - August 14

The Rowlett City Council will host a Town Hall meeting beginning at 7pm on Monday, August 14, at the Rowlett Community Centre. Join us in person or on Facebook and find out about all of the exciting things happening in YOUR hometown!

Teen Movie Night

Friday, July 28 @ 6:30pm

Pecan Grove Park

Mark your calendars for an epic evening under the stars because Parks and Recreation is hosting a TEEN Movie Night and it's going to be incredible!

"The Hunger Games" (rated PG-13) starts at sunset. Get ready to embark on a heart-pounding adventure as we follow Katniss Everdeen in her quest for survival!

But that's not all-there are more exciting surprises in store for you! Strike a pose and capture the memories in our fabulous 360 Photo Booth, where you can take unique, interactive photos with your friends. And what's a movie night without some delicious snacks? We've got you covered with FREE popcorn to munch on while enjoying the movie. More info...

Pooch Plunge Tickets Now On Sale

Join us at the Wet Zone Waterpark for this popular doggie swim day on August 6 from 12-3 pm! As a reminder, ticket sales are ONLINE ONLY. Tickets have sold out the past 2 years well in advance of the event. Do not be disappointed- get yours here...

Bills & Utility Assistance

Did you know that The Salvation Army partners with the City of Rowlett to facilitate mortgage, rent, and utility payment assistance for eligible Rowlett residents?

Please call 214-637-8204 to apply – be sure to let them know you are a Rowlett resident!

Extreme Heat and Drought Information

Keep up with any heat advisories in effect, find resources to help keep you safe during our hot Texas summers, and get information regarding drought and water conservation. More info…

Apply to Serve on a City Boards or Commission

Are you looking for ways to get involved and give back to the community? If so, we have a spot for you! We’re looking for committed residents willing to share their expertise, experience, and insight by volunteering a few hours of time each month to serve on a board or commission. While the time commitment is minimal, the opportunity to make a difference in YOUR community is significant.

The City Council makes their annual appointments at the end of September for terms to begin October 1. The application deadline is August 14.

Rowlett has over a dozen Boards and Commissions including…

Animal Shelter Advisory Board
Arts & Humanities Commission
Economic Development Advisory Board
Library Advisory Board
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Planning and Zoning Commission
Senior Advisory Board

Complete list and application here…

Upcoming Events

July

22

A Day in Space

Saturday, July 22

11 am @ The Rowlett Public Library

More info...

July

28

Teen Movie Night

Friday, July 28

6:30pm @ Pecan Grove Park

More info...

July

29

Summer Reading Closing Ceremony Jamboree

Saturday, July 29

10 am @ The Rowlett Public Library

More info...

View More Upcoming Events

🐶 Animal Shelter Guest Spotlight 🐱

Come Meet Skippy!

Breed: Australian Shepherd Mix

Age: 1 Year

Gender: Male

Color: White/Brindle

Skippy is a shy guy at first but warms up quickly, he loves to be right by your side! He is low-medium energy, walks well on a leash, potty trained, and knows basic commands. He is also current on his vaccines. Skippy is very dog friendly but prefers someone who matches his energy!

If you would like to meet Skippy or any of the other adoptable animals, please contact Animal Services at 972 412-6219 or come by the shelter at 4402 Industrial St., from 10AM to 5PM, Tuesday- Saturday.

See All of the Available Pets

City Department Weekly Highlights

Rowlett Public Library

A Day in Space

Join us at 11am for space-related activities before we meet the president of the award-winning National Space Society of North Texas (NSS-NT) and learn about different plans for humanity's future in space at Noon.

Learn more about upcoming Library events...

Summer Reading Closing Ceremony Jamboree

July 29 at 10am @ Rowlett Public Library

Reminisce on past programs and bid Summer Reading farewell with fun activities and Kona Ice. Grand prize winner will also be announced.

Police Department

Fall Citizens Police Academy

Registration Now Open

Class begins August 17

Open to anyone over 18 who lives or works in Rowlett, the Citizens Police Academy is a 11-week course (one night per week) that is designed to help you better understand what a police officer encounters while on duty. Each week you will learn about a different operation in the PD, including:

Active Shooter Response
Crime Scene Unit
Criminal Investigations Division
Defense Tactics
Detention Services
Patrol Division
Physical Fitness Challenge
SWAT Team
Taser Instruction
Traffic Division

There is an evening at the shooting range with hands-on instruction in the use of police firearms, and a driving course where participants get to drive a police squad car. You can even do ride along with an officer on patrol! More info and apply here…

Parks & Recreation

North Texas Guard Games Competition

On Friday, July 14, 2023, we hosted the annual North Texas Guard Games competition at Wet Zone Waterpark. This is a lifeguard competition welcoming teams from all over the State of Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. It started at the City of Denison in 1998 and was known as the Texoma Guard Games. It moved under the North Texas Aquatic Association umbrella in 2001 and the name changed.

Each year a different location hosts this competition of the best of the best in lifeguarding. 25 teams tested their skills and knowledge in events such as Rescue Relay, CPR/AED rescue, Spinal Rescue and Management, First Aid, Trivia, Obstacle Course, and Scanning. The top four teams will get to attend the State Guard Games, which will be held at the Jack Carter Pool in the City of Plano on July 31, 2023.

Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update

Please take time to fill out the Rowlett Parks, Recreation and Trails Master Plan Update 2023 Survey. We need your input to update this community plan with your vision in mind! Tell us what you think – the results of this survey will help us continue to build and grow our parks, trails, and open spaces with our residents’ input at the forefront.

Take the survey here…

Community Development

Chiesa Area Historical Documentation

Neighbors impacted by the Chiesa road widening project have continuously helped staff understand the area's unique identity by amplifying their voices at public meetings. As a direct result of feedback heard from neighbors in the area, a cross-departmental effort is underway.

Historical documentation is a concerted effort of the City of Rowlett’s Community Development Department, in partnership with residents of the study area and Rowlett City Council. if you would be interested in being interviewed, or have any photos or videos/film to share with us, please email podcast@rowlett.com! More info...

Economic Development

Rowlett Economic Development Advisory Board Meeting

Great knowledge and learning topics were presented at the Rowlett Economic Development Advisory Board meeting. Economic Development staff and boardmembers shared updates regarding development projects and business highlights for City of Rowlett, Downtown Rowlett, and updates/initiatives for the Rowlett Area Chamber and Visitors Center and Garland Independent School District, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe. "Rowlett Economic Development Marketing" was the knowledge topic of the meeting.

Sandy Pratt, Head of Digital Marketing, WAVTEQ Inc., shared details regarding the digital marketing, strategy and campaigns promoting Rowlett's excellent community, businesses, quality of life, workforce, education and training, buildings and sites, business climate, and prime location for startup companies, and national and global business locations and expansions.

Rowlett City Manager David Hall, Blake Margolis – Rowlett Mayor and EDAB board members pictured.

Downtown Rowlett Survey

Please help us assess Downtown Rowlett with this quick one-minute survey! We want to know why you visit downtown, what you like and what you want from your experience. Your opinion is important to us!

Take the survey today...

Engineering

Alley Reconstruction: Eagle Dr, Linda Vista Ct/Eagle Dr, Teal Ct/Eagle Dr, & Teal Ct/Allen Ln

La Banda, LLC poured 50 yards of concrete in the Teal Court/Allen Lane alley and began finishing up subgrade prep and trying rebar for the next section of pavement.

Alley Reconstruction: Rice Dr/Tulane Dr, Meadowlark Ln, University Dr/Knightsbridge Dr, & Sara Dr/Westwood Cir

Texas Civil Construction has nearly completed the storm sewer for the Meadowlark alley. They are scheduled to begin pouring concrete for the alley pavement late this week.

Miller Road Paving, Drainage and Utility Improvements

Tiseo Paving Company’s utility subcontractor finished constructing the new sanitary sewer at the Miller/Chiesa intersection Monday. The earthwork subcontractor continued cutting grade for the mew westbound lanes and began work on constructing temporary lanes near Hillcrest and Glenn Hill.