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Heath Hawk and “H” Featured on New North Water Tower

May 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The Heath City Council embraced a hometown tradition seen in communities throughout America by voting to place the Rockwall-Heath High School logo on the water tower that is now under construction.

The vote during a Special Meeting on May 8 authorized Mayor John Ratcliffe to execute a change order to the construction agreement with the contractor of the north 1,500,000-gallon elevated water tower. The original agreement included placing the City of Heath logo in three locations on the bowl of the water tower. The change order replaces one of the City logos with the RHHS Hawk mascot and the trademark “H”.

http://www.heathtx.com/userfiles/image/News/2012/NorthElevatedTank_Hawks_4.jpg

“Placing the public high school logo on the community’s water tower is a custom in towns throughout Texas and across the country, and we’ve had enormous support for doing so here in Heath,” said Councilmember Justin Holland. “I think it’s important that we continue this tradition with our new water tower to honor and support the students at Heath High School who make us so proud of their accomplishments both scholastically and in extracurricular athletics and activities.”

Mayor Ratcliffe also noted that RHHS has been identified as one of Heath’s primary economic engines by a planning and development expert assisting the Heath Economic Development Corporation.
“Heath High is a big part of what makes our community attractive to both residents and businesses. The daily student population plus the ongoing events and activities that draw guests from outside of Heath support current and future retail and restaurant establishments. The school is one of the amenities that make Heath a premier hometown and great place to visit,” said Mayor Ratcliffe.

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Local political group, Heath citizens express support ‘F-O-R’ beer, wine election

April 12, 2012 By Leave a Comment

A local “specific-purpose” political action committee has surfaced in Heath, Texas in the wake of the city’s first referendum regarding the “legal sale of beer and wine for off-premise consumption only.”

Heath F-O-R PAC is in favor of this measure which will appear on the May 12, 2012 ballot as a Special Election along with the Mayor place and two city council places.

The group’s main platform is bringing quality commercial and retail development to Heath. The group’s website declares that a successful passing of this measure will lead to the development of a grocery store, a town center, drug store, more restaurants and further professional retail.

“F-O-R” stands for “Future”, “Opportunity” and “Revenue.”

Heath is largely a residential community which gains most of its income from ad valorem real estate taxes. Heath has been able to maintain the same tax rate for the past 20 years. Increased retail and commercial development in Heath means a tax relief on the dependency of ad valorem revenues and increased revenue from sales tax.

When asked why beer and wine is the key to retail development, local citizen and supporter Justin Holland stated that, “Real estate developers and retailers such as grocery stores will not choose site locations that aren’t zoned for beer and wine sales. If we want to start developing quality commercial and retail in Heath, it’s crucial that our citizens vote for this measure. This election is the catalyst for future development in Heath.”

The Heath Economic Development Corporation recently approved the following declaration at their March 27, 2012 meeting: “Whereas, the Heath Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) has conducted numerous studies regarding ways to promote desirable avenues of development in the City of Heath; and Whereas, the results of those studies and communications with potential developers have indicated that approval of the measure to “legalize the sale of beer and wine for off-premise consumption only” would greatly enhance the likelihood that grocery and other low impact retail would locate in the City of Heath; Now, therefore, the HEDC finds that the approval of the measure to “legalize the sale of beer and wine for off-premise consumption only” will result in increased and enhanced economic development in the City of Heath.”

For more information, email info@heathforit.com, visit heathforit.com or see their Facebook page.

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Heath, Texas F-O-R It!

April 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment

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HEDC Indicates Approval of Special Election Measure Positive for Retail Development

April 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment
“Whereas, the Heath Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) has conducted numerous studies regarding ways to promote desirable avenues of development in the City of Heath; and Whereas,  the results of those studies and communications with potential developers have indicated that approval of the measure to “legalize the sale of beer and wine for off-premise consumption only” would greatly enhance the likelihood that grocery and other low impact retail would locate in the City of Heath; Now, therefore, the HEDC finds that the approval of the measure to “legalize the sale of beer and wine for off-premise consumption only” will result in increased and enhanced economic development in the City of Heath.”
HEDC Stated Meeting: March 27, 2012

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Filed Under: News and Updates

City of Heath Honors Local Youth for Quick Action to Prevent Spread of Fire

March 29, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Heath, TX, March 23, 2012… Sean Gibson, Stuart Potter and Zach Niestockel were playing basketball on a carefree Spring Break evening when they noticed smoke at a neighbor’s home in the 600 block of Sorita Circle in Darr Estates.

They investigated, saw flames and notified 9-1-1 immediately. The Heath Department of Public Safety arrived in time to prevent the fire from spreading into the home. The owners of the house were not at home at the time.

The 8th grade boys were honored for their quick action by the City of Heath at the March 20 City Council meeting.

“We commend you for watching out for your community,” said Heath Mayor John Ratcliffe.  “Your courage and actions have made a positive difference. Heath is fortunate to have good citizens like you.”
“Because you were aware of your surroundings and had the presence of mind to calmly take appropriate action, you minimized the damage to your neighbor’s home,” added Heath DPS Director Terry Garrett. “If this fire had not been reported when it was, the flames could have easily engulfed the entire house and spread to neighboring homes.”

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Pictured from left: Sean Gibson, Stuart Potter and Zach Niestockel with Heath Mayor John Ratcliffe and members of the Heath Department of Public Safety.

Prepared by:        Suzanne Brooke, Communications
972-658-0729 | sbrooke@heathtx.com

 

Contact:                Kim Dobbs, Assistant City Manager

972-771-6228 | kdobbs@heathtx.com

 

 

Filed Under: News and Updates

Heath Happenings

March 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Heath Golf & Yacht Club, an 800-acre master planned community in Heath, Texas is taking the next steps and move closer to breaking ground on its 27 hole championship resort-style golf course designed by Roy Bechtol of Bechtol Golf Design. The development will include 1,227 variety residential lots, a country club and lakeside resort community area. The development is expected to have a $500 million impact on the city’s ad valorem valuations at build-out. Co-developer, The Redstone Companies, is noted for their work on Redstone Golf Club (home of the Houston Shell Open), The Houstonian (hotel, club and spa) and Barton Creek Resort and Spa.

Heart of Heath 5k Run/Walk is Easter Saturday (April 7th). The family-friendly event is open to all ages and athletic abilities ranging from the casual walker or baby jogger to the elite runner. The fun begins rain or shine at 8:30 a.m. at Heath City Hall; 200 Laurence Drive. Online registration is available at www.heathtx.com, or in person at City Hall.

The Election this May in Heath will include beer and wine sales “for off-premise consumption only” on the ballot. A petition calling for the election was submitted to the City Secretary’s office on December 29, 2011 and certified as having the required number (844) of qualified voter signatures to place a local option measure on the May 12, 2012 election ballot.

**As a private citizen in Heath, Texas, I support voting FOR the legal sale of beer and wine in Heath in the special election May 12, 2012. I believe that this ballot measure will open doors to our community that we have not seen in the past. I am excited to see the quality retail and commercial development opportunities brought by a successful passing of this referendum. I believe our city is very, very close to having our own grocery store, shops, a drug store and more restaurants. Please consider voting “FOR” this measure**

Justin A. Holland

 

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Rockwall County: (Re)Focus 2012 – Waiving the Right Flag

February 27, 2012 By 2 Comments

Lately, there has been a lot of talk, publicity and quite frankly unnecessary chatter about petty “issues” in Rockwall County politics. I believe it to be counterproductive and distracting to the things that matter most to the county citizens. My opinion is that there has been no wrongdoing and don’t believe that this “story” should have ever hit the airwaves. I am a 6th generation Rockwall County resident and despite also serving on the Heath City Council, I’m a citizen first. Members of our county, government officials and citizens alike, are making a mockery of their opportunities to serve and better the county through playground politics. So rather than dwell on inches and feet, let’s move forward.

The functions of a county government include providing basic services such as a judicial system, a system for records and licenses, law and justice services, as well as providing resources infrastructure, roads and bridges by cooperating with bordering municipalities and many times, the Texas Department of Transportation. That part of the job description doesn’t include fabrication of news.

Rockwall County is specifically faced with an impending influx of growth and development. We are an extremely attractive county and continue to experience great growth. We have first rate education opportunity for families, a high quality of life, a beautiful lake, shopping, dining and have most recently been nationally highlighted for our track record in providing jobs to the Texas economy. We have a large amount of bonded road programs underway as our County Judge has recently highlighted in his correspondence to constituents. As many of you know, The President George Bush Turnpike has recently connected to the west of our County and now introduces a potential new audience to the joys we know and love by living in Rockwall County. As a legal subdivision of the state, we have certain obligations in both preparing for and managing that growth. We have entrusted that responsibility with a County Judge and four (4) Commissioners.

Let me be clear that this is not a criticism of that court, but rather an involved citizen’s view from the outside on common sense and real issues. Here are three (3) areas to focus on for the future of Rockwall County; none of which involve a flagpole.

Preparing for Growth: In 1960, our county population was around 6,000. In 1990, we had grown close to 26,000. Our latest 2010 census puts the county at just under 80,000 residents. This includes Rockwall, Heath, McLendon-Chisholm, Fate and parts of Rowlett, Forney and Royse City. According to Judge Hogan’s research, we’ll be close to 250,000 by 2030. My daughter will graduate high school in 2030. We have many ways to plan for this growth. Infrastructure needs, roads, bridges, thoroughfares, facilities, public safety and other services. How are we planning for this? Let’s implement the “communication plan” to let our county know that we know how to grow.

Prudent Growth: We have a “strategic plan” in place for cooperative planning efforts with our county’s municipalities to help regulate strict guidelines for development and land use. When does this plan go into effect? When do these stories hit the news? What plans do we have to cooperate and plan for growth? What is our vision? Tell us what we look like in 2030 in terms of development. Can we take steps to promote economic development and be a hotbed of activity for businesses to continue to come here?

Higher Education: Let’s stake our claim as a premier county in Texas where quality of life is key, jobs are plenty, taxes are reasonable and low, schools are exemplary and streets are safe. Why can’t we dream big? By 2030 and 250,000 people, I want to see a four (4) year university in Rockwall County. Let’s put Rockwall on the map. Let’s talk about our future and the future of our children and grandchildren. Rockwall County’s future is bigger than the sandbox it’s being treated like today.

This is by far a plan of its own but rather a way to stimulate conversations actually worth making productive news. Let me know what you think. Open the dialogue. What’s your vision? Feel free to e-mail me personally at voteforholland@gmail.com.

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Renewal Voter Registration Certificates Delayed

February 23, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The mailing of renewal voter registration certificates is delayed throughout the State of Texas due to ongoing litigation regarding state redistricting plans.

Previous voter registration certificates, printed on blue paper, expired on December 31, 2011. Renewal certificates, printed on yellow paper, will be mailed to all registered voters once the state redistricting plans are finalized by the Federal Courts. Voters can expect to receive their new certificate before the 2012 Primary Elections. The new yellow certificates will be valid through December 31, 2013.

Please contact the Rockwall County Elections Department at 972-204-6200 should you have any questions regarding your voter registration certificate.

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Heath City Council Retreat, Friday February 3rd at Hilton Bella Harbor

February 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The City Council Retreat is an annual work session that provides the opportunity for city council members and staff to communicate and assess the current status of issues, programs and policies which affect the City of Heath and to engage in comprehensive planning regarding the City’s anticipated future issues and needs. The items listed are for discussion purposes only and no formal action or votes will be taken. As a quorum of the members of the City Council will be in attendance, this agenda is being posted in accordance with the requirements of the Texas Open Meetings Act.

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Petition to Legalize Sale of Beer and Wine in Heath Certified

January 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment

A petition for an election to bring to the voters of Heath the question as to whether or not “the sale of beer and wine for off-premise consumption only” shall be legalized was submitted to the City Secretary’s Office on December 29, 2011.
The petition was certified by the City Secretary’s Office as having the required number of qualified voter signatures to place a local option measure regarding “the sale of beer and wine for off-premise consumption only” on the May 12, 2012 election ballot.

Upon the submission of the required number of signatures, state law requires that the Heath City Council shall order the special election at its next regular meeting in February.

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