Welcome to Plano City News, your weekly update

on what's happening in the City of Plano.

No More All-way Stops on Arterial Streets

Major items approved during the Feb. 12 City Council Meeting were: 


Intersection Improvements 

Traffic signals will be constructed for approximately $3.2 million at eight locations: 


  • Los Rios Boulevard at Merriman Drive 
  • Park Boulevard at San Gabriel Drive 
  • Alma Drive at Janwood Drive 
  • Parker Road at Plano Fire Station No. 9 
  • Parkwood Boulevard at Democracy Drive 
  • Tennyson Parkway at Democracy Drive 
  • Preston Road (S.H. 289) at Towne Square Drive 
  • Plano Parkway at International Parkway 


This project removes the last all-way stops from City arterials and improves the safety of these intersections.  


Two Arterial Concrete Repair Projects 

As larger areas of repair, these projects are bid as separate arterial rehabilitation projects and neighborhood zone rehabilitation projects. Once concrete repairs are complete, future thin overlays are planned for both of these roadways. The two approved concrete repair projects are: 


Park Boulevard – West City Limits to Preston Road – $2.1 million 

  • 8,500 square yards of arterial concrete street 
  • 14,400 square feet of sidewalk 
  • 68 barrier-free ramps 
  • 2.8 miles 


Legacy Drive – Coit Road to Custer Road – $4 million 

  • 22,000 square yards of arterial concrete street 
  • 50,000 square feet of sidewalk 
  • 102 barrier-free ramps 
  • 2 miles 


Parker Road Arterial Pavement Repair

This change order decreases the contract by $1.5 million from $5.9 million to $4.4 million for the portion of Parker Road from the West City Limits to Preston Road.  


The project, designed in Fall 2021, was based on street scores that estimated the amount of pavement removal needed for a street or neighborhood repair project. In this case, the estimate was 27% higher than the actual concrete repair required. After off-setting price increases for three other items in the contract, the $1.5 million in funds remaining can be used on future street projects. 


Cultural Arts Plan 

Just under $300,000 will create a Cultural Arts Plan that accomplishes these eight actions defined in the City’s Comprehensive Plan: 


  • Conduct a market study of Plano’s residents to determine the audience. 


  • Examine programming preferences, ensuring the sample of any statistical research is reflective of the community's demographics.


  • Review of the current state of arts and culture in Plano, including analysis of the City’s comprehensive plan and other relevant documents to understand the policy environment for local arts and culture. 


  • Create community input opportunities that are robust, and inclusive and offer diverse ways to gather input and to review and confirm analysis. 


  • Forecast future needs, opportunities and trends. 


  • Analyze public art and identify gaps. 


  • Evaluate our Cultural Art Grants programming and make recommendations based on our future goals. 


  • Assign goals and responsibilities with a recommended schedule of completion for the first five years. 


The Special Projects department oversees this contract.


The next regular City Council meeting is Monday, Feb. 26 at 7 pm. The agenda becomes available after 5 pm on the Wednesday leading up to the meeting. Watch the meeting live on Facebook, YouTube or PlanoTv.org


Find City Council agendas online at Plano.gov/Agenda

Help a Neighbor Through Plano CARES

Can you assist a neighbor with a common property standards violation? Occasionally, a resident cannot address a property violation due to physical or financial limitations. Through the Plano CARES (Code Abatement by Residents Engaged in Service), we match volunteers with these residents to knock out minor violations. Help with one of these common outdoor needs: 


  • Minimal tree trimming 
  • Trash removal 
  • Damaged fence removal or repair
  • Accessory building removal or repair
  • Minor exterior home repair 


Project workdays are scheduled for one Saturday of the month from March through November. Tools and equipment are available for volunteer use on these days. Must be 18 or older to participate. Sign up via the volunteer portal as an individual or as a group. 


If you have questions, contact Kala Krishnan at 972-208-8150 or at [email protected]

Pay Just a Nickel to Get Your Cat Neutered 

If you love pets like we do, then you'll understand why we are on a mission to reduce unwanted litters. Call to reserve a Nickel Neutering appointment for your male cat. You do not have to live in Plano to participate, but you do need to make an appointment.  


Nickel Neutering

Tuesday, Feb. 27, 8 am-6 pm

Plano Animal Shelter, 4028 W. Plano Pkwy.  


What you need to know for the appointment  


  • Cats will be neutered for 5 cents each. 


  • Make sure the cat is at least 8 weeks old and weighs at least 2.5 pounds.  


  • Bring your cat in a plastic pet carrier marked with your name and phone number.  


  • Provide written proof of your cat’s current rabies and FVRCP vaccinations. Vaccines can be administered for $14.95 for one vaccine or $24.95 for both.  


  • Have a microchip implanted for $10 during the appointment.  


  • Register your cat for only $10 if you live in Plano. A reduced registration of $5 is available for seniors or others who qualify. Get more details and register at Plano.gov/RegisterPet.   


Other benefits of neutering your cat


  • Less urge to spray urine with less intense scent.  


  • Defends his territory less, so he’s less likely to fight and get injured.  


  • Lower risk of feline leukemia and feline AIDS.  


  • Prevents testicular cancer and some prostate problems.  


Call 972-769-4360 to reserve your appointment. 


Find low-cost spaying and neutering options for dogs too.

Happenings

Avoid Parker-Independence Intersection this Week


Thursday, Feb. 15 through Friday, Feb.16


The connection for the Parker Road Water Rehabilitation Project at Independence Parkway will require significant lane closures at the intersection. Work begins early Thursday, Feb. 15 and ends late Friday, Feb. 16. 


Please find alternate routes to avoid delays. A few lanes will be open in all directions but traffic will be much slower. Your best plan is a backup route. Thanks for your cooperation.


Keep up with projects that impact your commute.

Plano Solar 101 


Tuesday, Feb. 27 

6:30-8 pm


Zoom webinar 


Discover how solar energy can benefit your home or small business. Explore the technology, economics, financing and more. Join the co-op for free without any obligation to buy solar panels. 


Register for the free webinar.

Women’s Property Maintenance Workshop 


Saturday, March 2 

9 am-noon 


Neighborhood Services 

777 15th St.


Save money by learning to upkeep and maintain simple plumbing at your home during our Property Maintenance Workshop. Great for first-time homeowners!  


Topics include toilet repair, sink faucet repair, showerhead and tub faucet repair, and more.


Save a seat at the workshop. 

FREE Tax Help


Fridays through April 12

10 am-3:30 pm

Harrington Library

1501 18th St.


Mondays through April 15

11 am-3 pm

Haggard Library

2501 Coit Rd. 


Sign up starts in-person at 9 am (first come, first served) at both locations. AARP volunteers provide this assistance.


Learn more on the Money Smart webpage.

QUILTS! QUILTS! QUILTS! 

First Squares & Old Crowns 


Ends Thursday, Feb. 29


ArtCentre of Plano 

902 E. 16th St.


Plano African American Museum 

900 13th St.


Award-winning fabric and leather pyrography portrait artist Jas Mardis returns for a dual exhibition honoring Black History Month.


Enjoy a variety of upcoming exhibits presented by Art Centre Theatre, a 2023-24 City of Plano Cultural Arts Commission grant recipient.


Visit the Art Center Theatre for tickets and show times.

Featured Job


Environmental Health Specialist and Senior Environmental Health Specialist 


$54,000-$68,000 per year 


1-3 years of experience required 


Do you have a background in Environmental Health or another related science? Support the City of Plano by taking on the responsibility of inspecting commercial facilities and properties for compliance with all City Health Codes and Ordinances. 


Apply today!

In a gray suit, Mayor Muns stands at the podium with the American, Texas and Plano flags behind him.

Catch Up on What's Happened and What Lies Ahead in Plano


If you missed the State of the City address on Feb. 8, don’t worry we have recorded it for you. Learn about the 19 miles of asphalt overlays to be installed in 2024 and much more.


Subscribe to the City of Plano YouTube channel for more great videos.

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