Garland City Update

Posted by On June 14, 2016 0 Comment

ImageProxy.mvcLive Well-Go Green Expo
The City of Garland is seeking exhibitors for the Live Well-Go Green Expo (formerly the Healthy Living Expo), scheduled on Saturday, Sept. 24. Those interested may download an Exhibitor Application at GoGreenGarland.org. For questions and additional information, contact [email protected].

 

 

 

Figth The Bite!

ZikaThe Garland Health Department is conducting weekly surveillance for mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus (WNV) and Zika Virus. West Nile Virus disease is spread to humans through the bite of an infected Culex species mosquito. Common symptoms include high fever, severe headache, and stiff neck. Contact your health care provider immediately if you are concerned that you might have WNV.

Zika Virus disease is spread to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. Common symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis. If you have travelled to a country with active Zika transmission within the past 28 days, are exhibiting symptoms or are pregnant, contact your health care provider immediately.

Remember to protect yourself as a first step to the prevention of mosquito-borne diseases.

Tips to Fight the Bite:

  • DRAIN standing water around the house; it’s where mosquitoes lay eggs! This includes: tires, cans, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, toys, and puddles.
  • DUSK & DAWN are when mosquitoes are most active, so limit outdoor activities or take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.
  • DEET all day, every day. Whenever you are outside, use insect repellents that contain DEET or other EPA-approved repellents and follow label instructions.
  • DRESS in long, loose, and light-colored clothing when outside.

To report standing water issues, stagnant swimming pools, high mosquito activity or dead birds, call the Garland Health Department Mosquito Hotline at 972-205-3720 or submit information through the Garland eAssist app.

 

Water Water Conservation Measures

Under the City of Garland’s new Water Conservation Plan, watering lawns with sprinklers between the months of April and October is limited to two days a week with the flexibility of choosing which day of the week to water.

Please remember, our water schedule is subject to change dependent on the weather conditions and effectiveness of local water conservation measures. Any such changes will be posted on this website.

Conservation Plan Key Points

  • No outdoor irrigation between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
  • No outdoor watering with sprinklers or irrigation during a rain event.
  • Newly-installed irrigation systems must be equipped with rain and freeze sensors
  • Watering with a hand-held hose using an automatic shutoff nozzle, soaker hose or drip irrigation is allowed at any time
  • Outdoor irrigation systems should be properly maintained and any leaks or broken sprinkler heads should be repaired.

Garland Rolls Out New Online Tools

The City of Garland has launched several new online tools to better engage residents and visitors.

The City’s website, GarlandTx.gov, is now mobile friendly. The new “responsive design” platform rolled out during the last week of January to make the website and its functions easier to navigate for smartphone and tablet users.

“More and more people are using smartphones and tablets as their primary devices for accessing our online services,” said Public & Media Relations Director Dorothy White. “We’re glad that people can better access their City services on the go!”

The City also wants to leverage its digital presence to increase its interactions with Garland residents and other stakeholders. The City has launched a new citizen engagement portal called Engage Garland. Topics for discussion, idea-sharing, and feedback will be posted each month. Participants can create an account to join the conversation and can share their ideas on Facebook and Twitter, too. City leaders will join the conversation as well, providing a two-way dialog. The portal can be accessed through the City’s website or directly at EngageGarlandTx.mindmixer.com.

The City is also opening up even more opportunities for residents to request specific City services, report issues, and ask questions. Garland eAssist provides an online platform for such activities that are accessible from the City’s website and, in a few weeks, from an app that can be downloaded to smartphones and tablets. Once a service request is entered, or an issue such as a pothole or graffiti is reported, the user can track the progress on an interactive map or choose to receive a notification via text, email or phone call.

“We have a good list of services that can be requested online via Garland eAssist, and we will continue to add services during the coming months including the ability to report power outages and street light outages,” said Kevin Slay, managing director of Customer Service. “Within a few weeks, we will launch a mobile app to allow people even more convenience. You’ll be able to take a picture of an issue, and upload it straight to us along with GPS coordinates.”

For more information or to access these services, visit GarlandTx.gov. Also watch for updates on the City of Garland Facebook page and on Twitter, @GarlandTxgov

 

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