Frisco | April 2024

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Frisco Edition VOLUME 11, ISSUE 9 APRIL 11MAY 9, 2024

2024 Voter Guide

Fire election sparks debate

John Godbey, a Frisco reghter and emergency medical technician, watches a re truck back into Frisco’s Central Fire Station. Godbey is one of hundreds of re department sta that could be aected by a May 4 vote.

ALEX REECECOMMUNITY IMPACT

Voters set to determine 2 restructure propositions for Frisco Fire Department

on either side: Safety First Frisco, whose members argue the structures would slow Frisco’s progress, and the Frisco Fire Fighters Association, whose members fought for the propositions’ placement on the ballot and say a change is necessary as the city grows.

Propositions A and B would introduce civil service and collective bargaining, respectively, to the Frisco Fire Department. The two structures are outlined in state law and used in more than 80 cities across Texas. As election day nears, two groups have come out

BY ALEX REECE

Frisco voters will consider two propositions during the May 4 election that, if approved, will change the hiring, promoting and disciplinary structures of the city’s re department going forward.

CONTINUED ON 18

Also in this issue

Impacts: North Texas Racquet Club opens in Frisco (Page 6)

Election: See what local races are on the May 4 ballot (Page 13)

Events: Frisco Chamber hosts Pickleball Palooza (Page 28)

Dining: The Sandwich Shop oers made-to-order bites (Page 37)

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Impacts

North Frisco

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UNIVERSITY DR.

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380

PGAPKWY.

1 6

1 Annie’s Sweets & Treats The bakery sells cookies, cakes, pies, macarons and other pastries. It also serves coffee, tea and frozen yogurt. • Opened March 15 • 12255 University Drive, Ste. 250, Frisco • www.anniessweetsntreats.com 2 Big Blue Swim School New swimmers are evaluated every lesson to determine their individual skill levels, according to its website. Private swim lessons can be available. • Opened March 11 • 1642 FM 423, Frisco • www.bigblueswimschool.com 3 North Texas Racquet Club The facility provides players with seven lighted outdoor tennis courts, four lighted outdoor padel courts, six lighted outdoor pickleball courts and a merchandise shop for sports equipment and accessories. The club offers a tennis academy with lessons, camps and more. • Opened in early March

ROCKHILL PKWY.

S P O R T S

VIRGINIA PKWY.

LEWISVILLE LAKE

PANTHER CREEK PKWY.

DNT TOLL

2478

HILLCREST RD.

ELDORADO PKWY.

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Frisco

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KINGST.

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S TONEBROOK PKWY.

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The restaurant serves kebabs, curries, biryanis and more. It also offers vegetarian options. • Opened March 2 • 11220 Panther Creek Parkway, Ste. 300, Frisco • www.varahiindiankitchen.com

• 6545 All Stars Ave., Frisco • www.northtexasracquetclub.com

• expected opening in mid-April • 11020 Panther Creek Parkway, Ste. 100, Frisco • www.problackbeltfrisco.com 11 Sports Clips The business will offer haircut services, including massaging shampoo and neck and shoulder treatment.

4 The Suite Space The shared workspace strives to provide a supportive environment for women, according to its website. • Opened March 8 • 6065 Sports Village Road, Ste. 600, Frisco • www.stespace.com 5 Supreme Cafe The cafe serves breakfast tacos, coffee and juices. Pastries, fruit cups and breakfast burritos are also available. • Opened March 4 • 6726 Main St., Ste. 100, Frisco • 469-294-0072 6 Tailgaters Sports Bar & Grill Tailgaters locations feature multiple television screens for patrons. Menu items include wings, quesadillas,

Coming soon

• expected opening in mid-April • 11411 Coit Road, Ste. 140, Frisco • www.sportclips.com

8 Behavioral Innovations The center will offer social skills training and advanced applied behavior analysis therapy for children on the autism spectrum, according to the company’s website. • Opening in May • 8795 Preston Trace Blvd., Ste. 300, Frisco • www.behavioral-innovations.com 9 Mooyah Burgers, Fries & Shakes The chain offers a variety of burgers with keto, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. • Opening May 1

In the news

12 Frisco Family Services The nonprofit celebrated its 30th anniversary of supporting Frisco and Frisco ISD families. It is the only food pantry in Frisco and provides meals to more than 4,700 individuals annually. • 9111 Dogwood St., Ste. 100, Frisco • www.friscofamilyservices.org 13 The Green Gator The restaurant celebrated its 10th anniversary and offers several Cajun dishes such as red beans and rice and jambalaya but also serves tacos and hamburgers.

• 1725 US 380, Frisco • www.mooyah.com

burgers and more. • Opened Feb. 15 • 12255 University Drive, Ste. 300, Frisco • www.tailgaterstx.com

10 Professional Black Belt Academy The academy offers its students a blended curriculum of taekwondo, martial arts, kickboxing and karate.

• 5566 Main St., Ste. 110, Frisco • www.thegreengatorfrisco.com

7 Varahi Indian Kitchen

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Impacts

PGAPKWY.

ROCKHILL PKWY.

VIRGINIA PKWY.

• 3550 Parkwood Blvd., Ste. 306, Frisco • www.sunlifechiropractic.com

HILLCREST RD.

PANTHER CREEK PKWY.

2478

289

DNT TOLL

5 True Education The center offers services to improve students’ SAT, PSAT and ACT scores as well as GPAs. • Opened March 4 • 2772 Stonebrook Parkway, Ste. 600, Frisco • www.trueeducation.com 6 Unwind Beauty Lounge Services offered at Unwind Beauty Lounge include Hydrafacials, facial massages, exfoliations, eyelash laminations, lymphatic drainage and eyebrow tinting. • Opened Feb. 19 • 2930 Preston Road, Ste. 300, Room 125, Frisco • www.unwindtx.com

ELDORADO PKWY.

Frisco

423

KINGST.

MAINST.

COTTON GIN RD.

8 9

ROLATER RD.

WADE BLVD.

S TONEBROOK PKWY.

LEWISVILLE LAKE

LEBANONR

Coming soon

NANCY JANE LN.

7 EoS Fitness The gym will offer a large selection of workout equipment, fitness classes, personal trainers and more. • Opening in 2025 • 5550 Preston Road, Frisco • www.eosfitness.com 8 Evolve Barber Shop Along with men’s haircuts, the shop will offer fades, beard trims, shaves and more. • Opening in early June • 8050 Preston Road, Ste. 105, Frisco • www.evolvebarbershoptx.com 9 Ollio Patisserie The bakery will serve macarons, croissants, danishes and more. The store will also serve specialty coffee. • Opening in June • 8050 Preston Road, Ste. 104, Frisco • www.olliopatisserie.com 10 Paris Baguette The bakery will offer several baked loaves of bread, gourmet sandwiches, salads and other baked goods.

INTERNET BLVD.

Plano

SRT TOLL

MAP NOT TO SCALE

PARKWOOD BLVD.

South Frisco

• Opened Feb. 16 • 8175 S. Custer Road, Ste. A100, Frisco • www.petevolution.com

Now open

3 Roger Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu The self-defense and martial arts school offers group classes and private lessons, according to its website. The location also features its own apparel shop. • Opened Feb. 19

1 Fanzo Sports Bar The sports bar features a wall of television screens, bar seating and a covered patio. Menu options include chicken wings, braised short ribs and cocktails. • Opened March 18

• 15900 SH 121, Frisco • www.rgatexas.com

• 5977 Preston Road, Frisco • www.fanzosportsbar.com

4 Sunlife Chiropractic The practice offers services for pregnant women, infants, children and others, per its website. • Opened in early February

2 Pet Evolution The new pet care and supply store offers a wide variety of products and services for local pet owners.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

• Opening in late April • 3420 Main St., Ste. 100, Frisco • www.parisbaguette.com

Shenna Lawless, commander for the Frisco Veterans of Foreign Wars post, during a March 19 Frisco City Council meeting. • Grand Park Entrance, southwest corner of Cotton Gin Road and Dallas North Tollway • www.vvmf.org Plug and Play The innovation platform is partnering with the Frisco Economic Development corporation to launch two startup accelerator programs focused on sportstech and fintech, according to its website. It launched March 26. • www.plugandplaytechcenter.com

Relocations

11 Charlotte Russe The store relocated within Stonebriar Centre in Frisco. It sells clothing, footwear and accessories. • Relocated Feb. 9 • 2601 Preston Road, Ste. 1008, Frisco • www.charlotterusse.com 12 Frisco Family and Sports Chiropractic The practice offers several services, including adjustment, imaging, dry needling and education. • Relocated Jan. 31 • 8501 Wade Blvd., Ste. 420, Frisco • www.friscofamilyandsportschiro.com

Closings

15 Frisco Rotary Farmers Market The farmers market will move from Simpson Plaza to Hall Park in April, a representative said in an email. The farmers market will opened to the public on April 6 and be open every following Saturday. It will become a nearly year-round market with plans to close from Dec. 16-Jan. 18, 2025. The market will move again to Hall Park’s incoming Kaleidoscope Park once the space opens. • 3000 Internet Blvd., Frisco • www.friscorotary.org/page/farmers-market

14 Dos Amigos Cantina The closure will be followed with the opening of a new business, according to a Dos Amigos Cantina social media post. It will be turned into a new restaurant called BaseCamp, which will feature Nepali cuisine. • Closed March 10 • 2552 Stonebrook Parkway, Ste. 302, Frisco • www.dosamigosfrisco.com

In the news

13 The Wall That Heals A traveling replica exhibit of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial will be installed at the front of Grand Park on April 30 and be ready for visitors May 2-5, said

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Government

Frisco officials rename 2 parks to honor local history

He said the park’s location in the Stonebriar District is a perfect place to showcase Seei’s legacy. “Remembering our past as we shape our future is integral to our community’s identity,” resident James Nunn said during the meeting. A rededication ceremony for Seei Park will be held in the near future, council member Bill Woodard said. Rogers Settlement Park Davis Park will now be known as Rogers Settle- ment Park. It is named for the Rogers family, which includes William Rogers, the first deed holder of the land in 1847, and his four brothers, who are considered the first settlers of this piece of Collin County, per meeting documents. “Due to the proximity of this area and due to their legacy here in the city of Frisco, the Park and Trail Naming Committee voted unanimously to bring this forward,” Parks and Recreation Assistant

Frisco City Council members unanimously approved renaming Central Park and Davis Park as Kathy Seei Park and Rogers Settlement Park, respectively, during a March 5 meeting. Kathy Seei Park Kathy Seei Park is named for the former council member and mayor. Seei served on Frisco’s council from 1989-93 and as the city’s mayor from 1996-2002, according to meeting documents. During her time with the city, Seei contributed to multiple large-scale city projects, including: • Stonebriar Centre • Riders Field • Bringing in the Frisco RoughRiders • Comerica Center “The idea of Sports City, USA, started in a coun- cil work session under Kathy Seei’s term,” Mayor Jeff Cheney said.

Rogers Settlement Park

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Kathy Seei Park

Director John Chalfant said. One of the five brothers, Clayton Rogers, was the father of Frisco’s first mayor—Isaac Stewart Rogers. Frisco ISD has an elementary school named for Isaac Stewart Rogers. The park is expected to open sometime in 2025.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY ALEX REECE

Frisco firefighters test new data system Frisco’s fire department is one of six across the country—and the only one from Texas—selected by the U.S. Fire Adminis- tration to test a prototype information and analytics system. The National Emergency Response Information System is an analytic system designed to collect critical information following emergencies to document and introduce community risk reduction efforts, according to a March 12 U.S. Fire Administration news release. The system will empower fire and emergency services communities by equipping them with an empirical basis for decision-making, according to the U.S. Fire Administration’s website.

Council amends FY 2023-24 budget for new staff A roughly $6 million increase to Frisco’s general fund will add six new city positions, including three firefighters, city officials said. Frisco City Council members unanimously

security positions • Decrease sales tax and building permit revenues • Decrease the allocation for economic incentives relative to sales tax decline • Increase interest income • Transfer funds to the capital reserve fund “Our staff as a whole throughout the city did a really good job last year of managing their expenses, managing their budgets and coming in under budget. Kudos to everybody across the board and all the staff for the great work that they did for the citizens of Frisco last year.” BILL WOODARD, FRISCO CITY COUNCIL MEMBER

approved a $6.14 million increase to the city’s fiscal year 2023-24 general fund budget during a March 19 meeting. What happened The increase brings the budget from $266.9 million to $273 million, which was only possible because the city was already under budget from the previous year, council member Bill Woodard said. Breaking it down The increase is the city’s second FY 2023-24 budget amendment, Budget and Strategic Planning Director Tanya Anderson said. Here is a quick look at what the amendment did: • Increase the general fund’s salary and add three firefighter and three information technology

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY SAMANTHA DOUTY

Voter Guide

2024

To view the full list of all contested state and national candidates, visit www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide. Only candidates in contested elections are included. Visit county election websites for information on uncontested races.

KEY *Incumbent

Sherrie Salas Frisco ISD board of trustees, Place 7 Keith Maddox Melanie Barrios-Jones

polling location during early voting; however, election day locations are by precinct.

Dates to know

April 4: Last day to register to vote April 22: First day of early voting April 23: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) April 30: Last day of early voting May 4: Election day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or May 6 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)

Sample ballot

Local elections Frisco City Council, Place 1 Mark Piland John Keating* Frisco City Council, Place 3 John Redmond Angelia Pelham* Frisco ISD board of trustees, Place 6 Frederick Kaiser

City of Frisco propositions Proposition A: Adoption of the firefighters’ and police officers’ civil service law for the Frisco Fire Department. Proposition B: Adoption of the state law applicable to firefighters that establishes collective bargaining if a majority of the affected employees favor representation by an employees association, preserves the prohibition against strikes and lockouts, and provides penalties for strikes and lockouts for the Frisco Fire Department.

Where to vote

Collin County residents can cast their ballots at any polling location during early voting and election day. Denton County residents can cast their ballots at any

SOURCES: CITY OF FRISCO, FRISCO ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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FRISCO EDITION

Election

Frisco ISD, Place 6

Why are you running?

What are the top issues Frisco ISD is facing in the coming years? The top issues FISD faces in the coming years include school safety, budget shortfalls, staff retention and ensuring that all students are college and career ready upon graduation.

I believe that having the voice of an educator, specifically one who was a FISD teacher, will bring a diversity of thought to the Board. This is critical at a time when teacher retention is a challenge facing all school districts, including FISD.

Frederick Kaiser Occupation: Teacher Relevant experience: 20-year educator, have served on multiple committees for FISD as teacher and parent www.fred4fisd.com Sherrie Salas Occupation: Stay at home mom Relevant experience: Advocate, Legislative Leadership Committee, District Advisory Council, PTA Facebook: Sherrie Salas for Frisco ISD Board of Trustees Place 6

I am passionate about advocating for public education. I love serving our community and have been actively engaged in all things FISD since 2017. My record of showing up, engaging the community, and institutional knowledge of FISD is what makes me right person to serve as a trustee.

Our budget is a top issue and a lot of it falls on funding by the state. Will FISD need to implement additional budget cuts? If so, how will this affect teacher retention and discipline? It’s crucial to develop a responsible plan to address these challenges effectively.

MARISSA MELANCON FILED FOR FRISCO ISD, PLACE 6 BUT LATER WITHDREW HER APPLICATION.

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BY HANNAH JOHNSON

Frisco ISD, Place 7

Why are you running?

What are the top issues Frisco ISD is facing in the coming years? My top issues are working with State Legislators to ensure adequate funding for the district, to continue facilitating and developing an environment that increases student performance and efficiency, reduce costs, and to continue developing opportunities that allow us to add value and a meaningful quality learning experience for all students.

I am running to make a difference, add value, and share my leadership. I have over 35 years of experience with the Department of Education, NASA, Postal Service, and Navy. My kids received an excellent education in the district. I believe in giving back and serving my community.

Keith Maddox Occupation: Chief compliance officer, UNT Dallas Relevant experience : I served in a senior leadership position with the U.S. Department of Education www.keith4fisd.com

I’m running to make a difference in all the children’s and teachers’ lives in FISD. With a proven track record for collaborating, advocating for my son and teachers too, and successfully bringing the Parent Handbook and Lindamood-Bell Reading Program to FISD, I can bring a diverse mindset to FISD.

Top future issues facing FISD are the increase of special education students as the incidence of autism continues to be on the rise; a decrease in enrollment; below capacity elementary schools and academic rigor. Moreover, more paraprofessionals need to be hired and trained to ensure success across all classroom settings.

Melanie Barrios-Jones Occupation: Self-employed Relevant Experience: Parent, SEPAC, DAC committees plus board

positions in business www.jones4fisd.com

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

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FRISCO EDITION

Election

BY ALEX REECE

*INCUMBENT

Frisco City Council, Place 1

Why are you running for office?

What are the biggest challenges Frisco is facing?

Experience matters! I love Frisco and have dedicated over 10,000 hours to serving our city. I have a proven track record of building a city of excellence, safety, and fiscal responsibility. As an Army veteran and architect of Frisco’s success, I’m committed to guiding our city to its fullest potential.

Managing population growth, engaging residents, and keeping our city safe are the biggest challenges. As the city grows, preserving our small-town feel is key. Frisco is the epicenter of the Texas economic success story, with our partnerships as the foundation. The result is a safe and vibrant community for everyone!

John Keating* Occupation: Entrepreneur

Relevant experience: Budget & Audit Committees, Regional Transportation Council, Mayors Veterans Council, Leadership Frisco www.keatingforfrisco.com

I am running for council because “You the residents deserve better.” I will be their advocate for issues that affect their lives and listen to what matters to them. I will work to return Public Safety as a real priority and get it back on the council’s priority list.

Traffic and density are always issues; however, residents tell me they have lost trust in some members of council, and council has stopped listening to them. The Universal project roll-out is still on the minds of residents and created a loss of trust that requires change.

Mark Piland Occupation: Public safety Consultant Relevant experience: Former

Frisco Fire chief, 20 years executive experience, 40 years in government. www.markforfrisco.com

Frisco City Council, Place 2

Why are you running for office?

What are the biggest challenges Frisco is facing?

I love Frisco! This city is special; the people, the culture, the safety and security, the aesthetics all connect to make for an attractive city. I want to continue to be part of the leadership team that moves this city forward in the right direction.

The biggest challenge for Frisco is the infiltration of any entity that would compromise our culture and currently, there are two union propositions on the ballot that would do just that. We don’t need a third-party union eroding our culture and dictating how to operate any aspect of our city.

Angelia Pelham* Occupation: 30+ year retired corporate executive, consultant Relevant experience: City Council member last three years, Community Champion www.angeliaforfrisco.com John Redmond Occupation: Co-founder/president, InspectIR Systems, Inc. Relevant experience: Executive with over 25 years of increasing responsibility www.redmond4frisco.com

Living in Frisco for nearly 19 years, I have raised a family here and am building a business here. I believe in limited government, individual liberty, and personal responsibility. I believe the values that built this community still matter and the voice of our citizens should dictate our future direction.

Frisco has several challenges associated with hypergrowth and the transition to becoming a large city namely, public safety, infrastructure associated with density, maintaining a culture and engaging its citizenry in a meaningful way.

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Election

BY SAMANTHA DOUTY

Election results breakdown

These results are from the March 5 primary election. The runoff election is May 28 with early voting running from May 20-24.

Incumbent

Winner

Headed to runoff

SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, COLLIN COUNTY, DENTON COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Collin County

Federal

State

28.16% Chuck Branch Texas House Representative, District 61, Republican

85.95% Jim Skinner Collin County sheriff, Republican

18.52% Suzanne Harp 1.59% Jeremy Ivanovskis U.S. Representative, District 3, Republican

32.09% Frederick Frazier 39.75% Keresa Richardson

14.05% Sherwood Holmes

3.64% Tre Pennie 3.43% John Porro 72.82% Keith Self

56.29% Darrell Hale 43.71% Jim Garrison Collin County commissioner, Precinct 3, Republican 20.22% Cam McCall 55.17% Scott Grigg Collin County tax accessor collector, Republican 24.61% Angela Powell 23.17% Cris Trevino 76.83% Matt Carpenter Collin County constable, Precinct 1, Republican 39.5% Mike Rumfield 60.5% Steve Asher Collin County constable, Precinct 4, Republican

63.72% Matt Shaheen 36.28% Wayne Richard Texas House Representative, District 66, Republican

80.29% Pat Fallon 19.71% Don Horn U.S. Representative, District 4, Republican 14.51% Scott Armey 1.95% Neena Biswas U.S. House Representative, District 26, Republican 0.67% Vlad De Franceschi

17.61% Carrie De Moor 12.08% Cody Clark Texas Senate, District 30, Republican

36.38% Brent Hagenbuch 33.94% Jace Yarbrough

33% Dale Fey 37.69% Michael Braxton Texas Senate, District 30, Democrat 29.3% Matthew McGhee

58.38% Brandon Gill 10.02% John Huffman 4.62% Luisa Del Rosal 0.43% Jason Kergosien 2.29% Joel A. Krause 3.51% Doug Robison 2.49% Mark Rutledge 1.14% Burt Thakur

36.24% Pam Little 20.56% Chad Green State board of education, District 12, Democrat

Denton County

38.1% Rob Altman II Denton County tax assessor collector, Republican

16.26% Matt Rostami 26.94% Jamie Kohlmann

61.9% Dawn Waye

Facility No’s 106486 Memory Care AT CHAPEL CREEK

8111 Wade Boulevard . Frisco, Texas 75034 . 972.668.5200

FRISCO EDITION

Fire election sparks debate From the cover

The big picture

Frisco hiring

Standard civil service hiring

• Overseen by city • Must have high school diploma or GED • Must be at least 18 years old

• Overseen by three-citizen Civil Service Commission • Must have high school diploma or GED • Must be between 18-35 years old • Application • Score at least a 70 on a written test with additional points given for military service members • Physical ability tests

Civil service is a system with a three-citizen commission and tests to assess the hiring, ring and promotion of reghters. Collective bargaining allows re representatives to negotiate for annual contracts and department rules with the city. To understand civil service better, Frisco residents can look to Plano, which adopted it in the 1970s. “[Civil service] never impacted my ability to hire, terminate, promote, demote, whatever I needed to do,” said Sam Greif, Plano’s current deputy city manager and former re chief. Under civil service, reghter terminations would go through the three-citizen commission for review before any action is taken. Before Plano, Greif started his career in Fort Worth, which adopted civil service in the 1950s and collective bargaining in 2007. The two systems are nothing to be afraid of, Greif said. Collective bargaining requires department and city ocials to agree to terms including sick leave,

• Application • Written test • Physical ability tests • Background check • Interview before a board • Fire chief interview • Polygraph • Psychological evaluation • Medical check

SOURCE: CITY OF FRISCO, CITY OF PLANOCOMMUNITY IMPACT

benets and pay, Greif said. If neither side can agree, a judge steps in for the nal decision, he said. Safety First Frisco member Bill Woodard, also a Frisco City Council member, said the structures could hurt the city’s progress by removing Frisco ocials’ ability to manage the department. Woodard said he participates in the political action committee as a citizen and any city statements would come from its communications department.

City ocials declined interview requests. The items already have some residential approval, Frisco Fire Fighters Association President Matt Sapp said. Over 5,000 signatures were collected across two petitions last summer to put the items on the ballot, according to city documents. Woodard and the rest of council signed an open letter in August encouraging residents not to sign the association’s petitions.

What they’re saying

“[Frisco has] phenomenal employees that work so hard for the residents of Frisco, and we’ve built a great city because of that

“[Civil service] takes some of the arbitrariness out that happens in a city where they miss steps. You’ve got state law on your

“It’s one of the best, cost-eective ways to create a fair, transparent workplace … . It’s part of Texas

over the last 30 years ... We haven’t needed collective bargaining or civil service to build that great city.”

state law – supported by Republicans, Democrats and Independents. JOHN RIDDLE, TEXAS STATE ASSOCIATION OF FIREFIGHTERS PRESIDENT

side—just follow the law, follow the procedures.” SAM GREIF, PLANO DEPUTY CITY MANAGER

BILL WOODARD, SAFETY FIRST FRISCO MEMBER

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY ALEX REECE

Zooming out

Civil service Several other north Texas entities operate under a civil service system. Each vary in terms of their populations.

Dozens of fire departments across Texas rely on some form of civil service, said John Riddle, president of the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters, a non-partisan firefighters organization. The hiring, promotion and discipline standards in civil service benefit the city and employees by reducing political interference and setting strong department standards, Riddle said in an email. For example, civil service promotions and hirings are based on test scores instead of any bias or potential favoritism, Greif said. “You just need to make sure you know the rules,” Greif said. Implementing civil service would strengthen the department and the city the same way it does for other Texas fire departments, Sapp said.

Frisco 219,587

Carrollton 133,820

Plano 289,547

Garland 240,854

Fort Worth 956,709

Dallas 1.3M

Arlington 394,602

Irving 254,715

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

SOURCE: US CENSUS, TEXAS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Diving deeper

Department staffing

The standardized hiring process with civil service would make it easier to hire firefighters, Sapp said. “We’re concerned about our call volume and our run times, which are increasing,” he said. Frisco’s projected growth means additional fire stations should take priority over the new structures proposed by the propositions, Woodard said. Through collective bargaining, allocating more money for staffing may hinder opening additional fire stations since it would take a larger percentage of the city’s budget, Woodard said. “[Safety First Frisco] doesn’t believe that’s what the citizens of Frisco want,” he said.

The Frisco Fire Department's staff has grown by more than 150 since 2010, including emergency medical services and administrative staff, volunteer members and firefighters, according to city data.

0 50 100 150 200 250 300

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

SOURCE: CITY OF FRISCO/COMMUNITY IMPACT

What’s next?

The propositions are separate entities and could be approved together, denied together, or one approved and one denied.

Both Pass

Only prop A passes

Only prop B passes

None pass

Nothing changes and the fire department remains as it is.

Officials have 90 days to implement civil service, form a three-citizen commission and begin work on a bargaining contract.

A citizen commission and civil service guidelines will be implemented in 90 days.

Representatives begin working out a contract, which could take a while as both sides compromise.

SOURCE: TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE, FRISCO FIRE FIGHTERS ASSOCIATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

FRISCO EDITION

Education

BY HANNAH JOHNSON

AG claims FISD defied restraining order The Texas attorney general filed a motion for contempt against Frisco ISD, alleging the district violated a restraining order against illegal electioneering, according to a March 13 filing. The motion came after Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the district for illegal electioneering Feb. 28 for several social media posts. His office also filed a temporary restraining order against the district to stop electioneering Feb. 29. What it means The Texas Government Code allows courts to punish violators by levying a fine of no more than $500 for each act of contempt, the filing states. The attorney general’s office is asking the court to find FISD in contempt of court.

2022

2023

Frisco ISD STAAR scores

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

FISD students performed higher across all subjects of the STAAR compared to their state peers, according to state data.

FISD math

FISD science

FISD social studies

State all subjects

FISD reading

SOURCE: FRISCO ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

FISD students surpass state for test scores Frisco ISD students performed higher across all subjects of the State of Texas Assessments of Aca- demic Readiness, or STAAR, in 2023. The exam tests various grades in reading, math and social studies. On average, district students approached or met grade level 15 to 17 percentage points higher than the state average, according to an annual report.

In a nutshell The Texas Education Agency provides data on the performance of the district through the Texas Academic Performance Report. It includes: • College, career and military readiness data • Campus performance targets • Student performance in postsecondary institutions FISD students surpassed their state peers on Advanced Placement exams with 79.4% of partici- pants receiving a score of 3 or higher.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY HANNAH JOHNSON

FISD officials expect to use rainy day funds for 2024-25

Frisco ISD officials may use funds set aside for unexpected expenses to help balance the budget for fiscal year 2024-25. These funds would be used to balance finances until the next legislative session, said Kimberly Smith, FISD’s chief finance and strategy officer, during a Feb. 29 budget workshop. The creation of the 2024-25 budget will be discussed by district staff and the board throughout the year. Rainy day funds are used to cover unexpected expenses, such as emergencies. For example, the funds were used after a 2022 hail storm damaged district buildings. After this school year, the district will have $66 million available in rainy day funds and would use about $13 million in 2024-25, Smith said. By the numbers Projections for the FY 2024-25 budget, as of Feb. 29, include: • $622 million in available revenue • $650.2 million for a baseline budget • $8.6 million in identified cost

savings • $19.6 million shortfall The district expects a $4.6 million decrease from the school funding formula due to a decline in expected enrollment, Smith said. The 2023-24 budget was created with the expectation of 900 more students to be enrolled, she said. A $23 million increase in local revenue is expected from facility rental fees, earning invest- ment income and athletics camps in the summer, Smith said. Sorting out details Further money savings are being recommended through: • Eliminating positions through attrition • Balancing class loads through master schedule review • Scrutinizing nonpayroll budgets • Identifying ways to increase revenue The district has identified $8.6 million to be saved in staffing efficiencies. Other savings are to be determined through additional staff turnover and future central office restructuring.

More getting down on their level.

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Determining a budget Frisco ISD board members have discussed the budget since January.

Take our hip and knee health assessment or find a

March: Salary revenue information received by the Texas Association of School Boards.

May: A budget workshop will be held May 2. A public hearing for the budget will be held May 13, with the board vote May 15.

joint care specialist at YourJointHealth.com.

2024

January: First budget workshop held for FY 2024-25.

November: Tax rate election held if called by the board.

April: Budget recommendations and compensation plans to be finalized. A budget workshop is scheduled for April 18.

August: Board may decide to call for a voter- approval tax rate election.

SOURCE: FRISCO ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

FRISCO EDITION

Transportation

Upcoming projects

HOLLYHOCK RD.

UNIVERSITY DR.

1 Main Street construction Project: The project will span along Main Street from BNSF Railway to North County Road and Fourth Street from Main Street to Elm Street. This is part of a greater downtown redevelopment project. The entire downtown redevelopment project is expected to be completed by 2026. Update: The project is expected to start construction in April. • Timeline: April 2024-early summer 2026 • Cost: $25 million • Funding source: city of Frisco 2 US 380 utility relocations Project: This project is part of a greater US 380 construction project. The utilities will be moved to make room for the upcoming road widening project. Update: The utility work is in the planning phase, and construction is set to start in 2025. The Collin County Commissioners voted in February to cover the costs of moving the utilities, which will later be partially reimbursed by the Texas Department of Transportation. • Timeline: Q3 2025-Q4 2026 • Cost: $8 million • Funding sources: Collin County, TxDOT

380

PGAPKWY.

ROCKHILL PKWY.

OLIVE BRANCH RD.

VIRGINIA PKWY.

FIELDS PKWY.

HILLCREST RD.

PANTHER CREEK PKWY.

LEWISVILLE LAKE

PANTHER CREEK PKWY.

2478

ELDORADO PKWY.

CAPROCK DR.

289

423

KINGST.

MAINST.

Frisco BABBLING BROOK DR.

DNT TOLL

ROLATER RD.

4TH ARMY DR.

STONEBROOK PKWY.

LEBANON RD.

SRT TOLL

WARREN PKWY.

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

SRT TOLL

BY SAMANTHA DOUTY

3 Teel Parkway widening Project: Teel Parkway will be expanded from a two-lane roadway to a four-lane roadway. The project spans from Stafford Middle School to Olive Branch Drive. Update: The project is in the planning phase and construction will start in 2025. • Timeline: Q2 2025-Q2 2026 • Cost: $8.5 million • Funding source: city of Frisco 4 Lebanon Road widening Project: Lebanon Road will be widened from a four-lane divided roadway to a six-lane divided roadway. Update: The project is in the design phase with construction to start later this year. • Timeline: Q3 2024-Q4 2025 • Cost: $26.5 million Project: Legacy Drive will be widened from Lebanon Road to Stonebrook Parkway and Stonebrook Parkway from Legacy Drive to 4th Army Drive. Update: The project is in the planning phase. • Timeline: Q3 2025-Q4 2026 • Cost: $15 million • Funding source: city of Frisco • Funding source: city of Frisco 5 Legacy Drive widening

6 Hillcrest Road construction Project: The project will construct a four-lane divided roadway from Panther Creek Parkway to PGA Parkway. Update: The project is still in the design phase. The bid phase should be completed by the end of March. • Timeline: April 2024-March 2025 • Cost: $5.38 million • Funding source: city of Frisco

• Funding source: city of Frisco 9 Stonebrook pedestrian signals

Project: A new pedestrian hybrid beacon signal is being added to the Babbling Brook Drive and Stonebrook Parkway intersection. Update: The project started early this year and will be completed in the next few months. • Timeline: January-June 2024 • Cost: $200,000 • Funding source: city of Frisco

Ongoing projects

7 Emergency signal installation Project: A new emergency signal is being installed at Fire Station No. 5 on Eldorado Parkway. Update: The project is currently under construction and nearing completion. • Timeline: Q4 2023-June 2024 • Cost: $333,333 • Funding source: city of Frisco 8 Coit Road & Caprock Drive intersection Project: A new traffic light is being added to the Coit Road and Caprock Drive intersection. Update: The project started construction in 2023 and will be completed in several months. • Timeline: Q4 2023-June 2024 • Cost: $250,000

Completed projects

10 Elm Street construction Project: Elm Street was reconstructed with parking and pedestrian paths added. This is part of a greater downtown redevelopment project. Update: The project has been completed. • Timeline: July 2023-February 2024 • Cost: $5.1 million • Funding source: city of Frisco

LITTLE ELM 27100 Hwy 380 (972) 347-9630

LOWRY CROSSING 4100 E US 380 (972) 540-2500 THE COLONY 4901 Hwy 121 (214) 469-2113

ALLEN 1839 N Central Expressway (972) 908-3488

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