The Women make their case against Total and Gas Drilling in Arlington

Late in the afternoon on February 13th we learned that at the request of the operator, the public hearing for the SUP for the Cornerstone Drill Site was continued until February 27th.  Some activists and leaders of environmental groups ~ who happen to be all women ~ decided to appear anyway hoping the council would grant them the courtesy of speaking since this item was already posted on that evening's agenda.  Scroll ahead 28:30 minutes into the meeting to hear these women make a strong case against Total and gas drilling inside the community by Cornerstone Baptist Church on Matlock Road in Arlington, TX. The speeches were outstanding and very enlightening! 

http://arlingtontx.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=9&clip_id=2615

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XTO Loses at Arlington City Hall

Eden Southwest Gas Drill Site Operated by XTO Energy

Tuesday was a really bad night for Walter Dueease, Regulatory Affairs Manager of XTO Energy.  This Exxon Mobil subsidiary lost their zoning request by a unanimous vote of 9-0 at Arlington, Texas City Hall.  They had hoped to expand their 5.4 acre Eden Southwest drill site with an adjacent 6.3 acre tract in order to set up a temporary above-ground frac pool while keeping the existing frac pond that is at this location.

During last month's Planning and Zoning meeting Chairman, David McGlaun, and Vice-Chairman, Clete McAlister, opposed this request. 

Even Councilwoman, Sheri Capehart, who expressed during the earlier afternoon session that she thought these frac pools were a great idea, suddenly changed her mind and made the motion to deny XTO's request. 

As long-time Arlington resident Kimberly Franklin succinctly states, "One point eight million gallons of fluid 200 feet from homes in a temporary container is a bad idea."  She hit the ball out of the park with her speech Tuesday night.  We encourage you to listen to all the speeches as everyone did a fantastic job.  Kimberly was the first of ten speakers.

This request was a terrible idea.  Fracking is not just about the water.  This is HEAVY INDUSTRIAL MINING inside our residential communities.  

As more people witness middle-class suburbia turn into sprawling industrial zones, opposition to gas drilling grows in Arlington and its surrounding cities.  A good showing of citizens came prepared to speak.  Here is that video clip.  Watch this monumental moment in gas drilling history where Arlington City Council votes UNANIMOUSLY in OPPOSITION to XTO's request. 

October 15, 2013 Arlington, Texas City Council Meeting

Now, this is the kind of dancing the people love to see. 

Be sure to click on the links within this story so you don't miss any details.

Aggressive Solicitations

On November 6, 2007  Arlington, Texas City Council voted unanimously in its first reading supporting a resolution to amend its ordinance regarding "Aggressive Solicitations."  Here is what it says:

07-0859

Deputy Chief, Jaime Ayala, presented the changes to the “Miscellaneous Offenses” Chapter regarding Aggressive Solicitation to the Council.

Councilmember Patrick made a motion to approve on first reading an ordinance amending the “Miscellaneous Offenses” Chapter of the Code of the City of Arlington, Texas, 1987, through the amendment of Article I, Miscellaneous Offenses, by the addition of a new Section 1.16, Aggressive Solicitations, relative to protecting citizens from the fear and intimidation accompanying certain forms of solicitation.    Seconded by Councilmember Wilemon, the motion carried with 9 ayes and 0 nays. 

Did the City have Landmen in mind when writing this?  Probably not ~ but they should have ~ and it should have been enforced.

Click here to see Ordinances Governing Miscellaneous Offenses in the City of Arlington, TX.

District 8

In the popular novel, The Hunger Games, heroine Katniss describes District 8 "as an ugly, urban place stinking of industrial fumes, the people housed in run down tenaments, barely a blade of grass in sight."   ~  Sound familiar?

As Arlington, TX  turns into an industrial zone, we'd like to introduce you to a candidate who is running for the At-Large Council seat in our very own District 8.     

Frisco resident Charla Hawkes Vinyard running for Arlington, TX City Council?? 

First, let's talk about that proposed zoning change for Overcoming Faith Drill Site which is still tabled ~ most likely until the elections are over.   Mind you, it is crystal clear that a gas drilling site is not compatible with the vision for the Tierra Verde overlay.  A future development for high-end exclusive homes is planned for that area.  Nevertheless,  here is how Frisco resident, Realtor,  and Arlington Planning & Zoning member, Mrs. Vinyard, voted on that case:

Also in question is her eligibility to run for Arlington City Council when she has dual residency.   Even if she is eligible, we question 1) Is this ethical?  and,  2) Will she be able to focus on Arlington's complex issues when she lives in Frisco?

Here is what the Fort Worth Star Telegram says about Charla Hawkes Vinyard:     

"The Star-Telegram reported late last month that Hawkes Vinyard apparently violated state law by claiming two homestead exemptions."

"One of the homes is at xxxx Bever Blvd. in central Arlington. She lists that address on her voter registration, her professional real estate licenses and her application to be placed on the May 12 general election ballot. The home is valued at $141,000."

"She has also taken a homestead exemption on a house valued at about $610,000 near Lewisville Lake, according to public records."

"David Weaver, a commercial and bankruptcy lawyer, said reports that Hawkes Vinyard previously claimed two homestead exemptions -- for homes in Arlington and in Denton County -- raise questions about where she really lives... "It's not about me. It's about the process and whether the city is going to follow it or not."

To read the full story click on this LINK.

Perhaps Mrs. Vinyard spends the majority of time by her Lake Lewisville home because she doesn't like living in Arlington's industrial zone.  We don't either.  We wonder if there is an extra guest bedroom for our Fish Creek neighbors when Chesapeake starts the fracking nightmare all over again.

Casting your vote does make a difference. 

When you cast your vote think about whether your choice of candidates will help beautify this city or slowly transform it into a post-apocalyptic scene like that in the Hunger Games.

For voting information click HERE.
For additional voting information call (817) 831-VOTE (8683).

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/04/03/3858463/attorney-seeks-inquiry-into-rlington.html#storylink=c

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/04/03/3858463/attorney-seeks-inquiry-into-arlington

Overcoming the Consent Agenda

This is curious.  Why is the Arlington, TX City Council Meeting Agenda for this week (March 6, 2012) showing a controversial item on its Consent Agenda?

"Maybe the lights are on but nobody's home."

Definition of Consent Agenda

The Consent Agenda is a tool used to streamline meeting procedures by collecting routine, non-controversial items into a group whereby all are passed with a single motion and vote.


The February 21, 2012 Public Hearing

As we know from observations at the February 21 public hearing regarding SUP 11-13 Overcoming Faith Drill Site, this topic was far from being non-controversial.  Following are reasons why this ordinance change for a drill site is objectionable:

• Public parks are a protected use requiring a 600' setback.  The proposed drill zone is 301'.
• Nine other drill sites are located within two miles.
• In 2006 it was determined that the purpose of the Village on the Green at Tierra Verde overlay would be to provide an area that would be environmentally sustainable, memorable for its rural character and village-like atmosphere, with a mix of high-quality housing options.
• During the February 21 hearing Councilwoman Sheri Capehart expressed her concerns. Her comments can be heard by clicking HERE.
• A children's psychiatrist from Sundance Hospital spoke about his concerns, and his speech may be heard HERE.    
• And finally, Edge Resources announced that they have been accepted into the Audubon International Signature Program - not to be confused with the Audubon Society which in no way is affiliated with the former. However, to our knowledge they have not been certified yet. This process can take a year or more. Wouldn't it be prudent to wait until they actually get certified? 

How does heavy industrial mining  fit into that overlay???

The City received only five petitions of support. Two were from the same individual and one appears to be invalid.  In support are:  (1) Edge Resources  (2) Overcoming Faith Church (two letters by same person); (3) a local business C-CAT; and (4) the COO of Sundance Hospital, whose approval might be invalid.

Did we mention that - according to the letter of objection written by the doctors of Sundance - that  their COO is not authorized to sign legal documents pertaining to the property at 7000 U.S. Hwy. 287, Arlington, TX?  He is only authorized to make decisions regarding operations of the hospital.  Wouldn't that mean that his signature doesn't count?  In addition, aren't the doctors the ones who own the hospital?  These documents can be viewed HERE.

Here is a Channel 33 report about this site:  http://www.the33tv.com/videogallery/68307004/News/2/22/12-arlington-gas-drilling

This issue looks complicated, so it is confusing to see it listed on the consent agenda where it can be swiftly approved during the next council session.  Consent agendas are not to be used to hide actions that will be controversial -- to do so breaches trust and undermines the value of this practice.