Possession of a Removed Catalytic Converter Now a Misdemeanor in Addison
Thefts of catalytic converters have been increasing nationwide, including in Addison. In 2021, the Addison Police Department received 107 reports of stolen catalytic converters and that number more than double in 2022 to 275. At its February 28 meeting, the City Council amended the Town's ordinances to make it an offense to possess catalytic converters under certain circumstances.
Currently, there is no state law offense for simply possessing a catalytic converter that has been removed from a vehicle. Officers would have to prove the person possessing the catalytic converter stole it themselves or knew it was stolen property in order to prosecute under state law.
The approved amendment makes it an offense to possess a catalytic converter that has been removed from a vehicle, with an exception for metal recycling companies. Additionally, this ordinance does not apply if the possessor can prove the converter was removed from their vehicle or was passed from the owner of a vehicle to the person in possession. Each converter in possession would be considered a separate Class C misdemeanor offense.
Officer Davis from the Addison Police Department will be teaching how to protect against catalytic converter thefts and car break-ins on Thursday, March 9 at 7pm at the Athletic Club. Please register at the Addison Athletic Club front desk.
You can watch Council's catalytic converter discussion here and read the presentation here.
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Community Meeting Follow Up
At the February 28 City Council Meeting, Director of Development Services Ken Schmidt and Police Chief Paul Spencer led a follow up discussion related to the February 15 Housing Community Meeting (presentation available here). Mr. Schmidt presented several case studies examining the impact of mixed-use development on surrounding property values. He also shared that staff plans to initiate a Comprehensive Plan review this summer. The 12 - 18 month planning process will be guided by an advisory committee that includes residents.
You can watch the Council's Community Meeting follow up discussion here and read the presentation here.
| Ownership Housing/Developer Outreach Provide Insight on Demographics, Preferences, and Constraints | |
In late 2022, Town staff conducted outreach to ownership housing builders and developers for feedback on Addison and its capacity to support new ownership housing investment. At the February 28 City Council meeting, Director of Development Services Ken Schmidt shared with Council the comments they received.
Based on the developers locational and housing preferences together with development constraints in Addison, staff developed some potential strategies to increase ownership housing options. These strategies, some of which can be implemented now and others that will be considered as part of the Comprehensive Plan Review, include:
- Targeted outreach to the broker community
- Policy and regulatory improvements
- Expeditated Development Review process
- Land assembly / acquisition and cost participation
You can watch Council's housing discussion here and read the report here.
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Planning and Zoning Commission Presents Annual Report to Council | |
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In accordance with the Code of Ordinances, Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) Chair Tom Souers presented the Commission's 2022 report to Council at the February 28 City Council meeting. Over the course of eleven regular meetings, the Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed 34 cases including 13 rezoning and development plan requests, 12 Special Use Permit requests, 8 plats and one long range planning policy (Midway South Special Area Study). The caseload this year was up 36% over last year.
The Commission addressed more technically challenging proposals than it has seen in recent years. This included review and action on the Midway South Special Area Study, as well as several rezoning requests within that study area, which included the Cobalt Homes townhome development and the AMLI Treehouse mixed residential development. The Commission also reviewed and took action on several complex reuse and infill projects in Village on the Parkway, leading to new restaurant, entertainment, office, and retail space in the center.
You can watch Council's Planning and Zoning Commission discussion here and read the report here.
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Council Approves Agreement with DART for Projects that Complement the Public Transportation System
In October of 2022, DART's Board of Directors approved the allocation of $233.9 million back to DART service area cities for Public Transportation System or Complementary Transportation purposes. The money is largely made up of excess sales tax revenue collected from the cities between 2019 and 2021. Addison's share of the allocation, which is based on the greater of each entity's sales tax generated for DART during FY's 2021 & 2022 or population, is $4.411 million.
At its February 28 meeting, the Addison City Council approved the Public Transportation Interlocal Agreement (ILA) that was approved by DART's Board of Directors on November 15, 2022. As part of the agreement, Addison must submit proposed projects to DART by January 1, 2024, contracts for eligible projects must be awarded by the Town by February 28, 2025, and eligible projects must be substantially complete by January 30, 2026.
Council will discuss potential projects at a future meeting.
You can watch Council's DART funding discussion here and read the presentation here.
| Residents Recognized for Service | |
Mayor Joe Chow recognized Nancy Craig for serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission and Stephanie Baim for serving on the Community Partners Bureau at the February 28 City Council Meeting. Many thanks to these dedicated volunteers for sharing their time and talents with the community.
You can watch the recognitions here.
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New BZA Member Appointed
At its February 28 meeting, the City Council appointed Tyler Wright to fill the unexpired term of Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) Member Dan Liscio whose term is set to expire on December 2024. In accordance with Addison’s Charter, Dan submitted his resignation when he officially filed to run for Council in the May 2023 election.
You can watch Council’s P&Z discussion here.
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May 2023 City Council and Mayoral Candidates
On May 6, Addison voters will go to the polls to elect a mayor and three council members. The list of candidates is below and candidate information will be available on the Town's website.
Mayoral Candidates
Bruce Arfsten
J.P. Vercollone
City Council Candidates
Nancy Craig
Dan Liscio
Valerie Van Pelt
Marlin Willesen
April 6 is the last day to submit a voter registration application in time to vote in the May election or to request a transfer of registration in time to vote in new precinct not in the same county and territory. You can find more information and register to vote at www.dallascountyvotes.org
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Addison Employees Presented Awards for Outstanding Service | |
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At the Employee Luncheon on Thursday, February 23, City Manager David Gaines recognized the recipients of the Town's annual employee awards:
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Hero Award: Kameron Russey, Fire FEO/Paramedic (not pictured)
- Innovation Award: Matthew Ansted, Parks Manager
- Leadership Award: Justin Harding, Interim Utilities Supervisor
- Employee of the Year: Pla Chung, Management Assistant
- Department of the Year: Parks & Recreation Department
Congratulations to this exceptional group and thank you for your dedication to serving Addison!
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Officer Jacob Chambers and Director of Development Services Ken Schmidt Recognized by Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce | |
On Friday, February 24, the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce held its 53rd annual awards luncheon where they celebrated individuals and businesses making a difference in their community. Addison Director of Development Services Ken Schmidt was named a Rising Star and Officer Jacob Chambers was named First Responder of the Year. Mayor Joe Chow, Mayor Pro Tempore Kathyrn Wheeler, and Council Members Darren Gardner and Guillermo Quintanilla joined Addison Town staff in applauding the accomplishments of these dedicated Addison employees. Congratulations to our winners and thank you for all you do for Addison. | |
ED Hosts Meet and Greet at Addison Park Place Tower | |
The Addison Economic Development & Tourism Department hosted their monthly Meet and Greet on Tuesday, February 28 at the Addison Park Place Tower. Economic Development Director Orlando Campos and Economic Development Manager Lauren Williams were joined by City Manager David Gaines and Council Member Darren Gardner. Built in 1982, Addison Park Place is one of the original mid-rise office buildings constructed in Addison. The building has since been completely remodeled, and is home to various companies including Prosperity Bank, and the headquarters to American Help Desk and Nothing Bundt Cakes. Jeff Harkinson, President of Harkinson Dewan Commercial, owners of the building, along with members of their management team welcomed the Town of Addison crew to their building. | |
Addison Police Department Offers Advice on
Protecting Your Car from Break ins
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Join the Town of Addison Police Department on Thursday, March 9 at 7pm at the Athletic Club for another edition of Police Talk where Officer Davis will be teaching how to prevent car break-ins and catalytic converter theft. Please register at the Addison Athletic Club front desk. | |
Addison Outdoors is Hosting a Pop-Up at Town Park on March 7 | |
The Addison Outdoor trailer will be making a stop at Town Park on Tuesday, March 7 from 4pm - 6:45pm. Come kick-off the season with a Shamrock themed pop-up and enjoy games, the outdoors, and some treats! | |
Apply for Seasonal Jobs at the Addison Athletic Club | |
Do you know any high school or college-aged young adults who are looking for a summer job? The Addison Athletic Club is now hiring seasonal lifeguards and summer camp counselors. Pay for lifeguards starts at $15 per hour and at $16 per hour for camp counselors. Bonuses are available at the beginning and end of the season so apply early! Find more details and apply on the Town's website. | |
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Addison shares information with the community in a number of different ways. Here are some ways you can stay updated on the latest news:
Website:
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www.addisontexas.net: Find alerts and updates on the homepage and department-specific updates on department pages.
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www.addisontexas.net/Midway: Find information on the Midway Road Revitalization Project and subscribe for project email and text updates.
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www.addisonalert.com: Get alerts about severe weather and other emergencies in the Town of Addison, as well as register to receive updates on Town programs.
Social Media:
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If you have specific questions, please contact Addison's Marketing Department at marketing@addisontx.gov.
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Important Numbers and Websites | |
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