February 2011

Mayor Andy Hafen looks toward the future in 2011 State of the City address “Our city was formed during the uncertainty of World War II. There were risks and dangers, but there was also great opportunity. And there is great opportunity now,” said Henderson Mayor Andy Hafen in his State of the City address last week. With over 840 in attendance at the M Resort and Casino, the Mayor detailed his commitment to the pursuit of initiatives, programs and policies that will foster opportunities for children, families and businesses. He went on to discuss the City's vision - to become America's premier community. When highlighting one of the City's five goals - promoting sustainable practices and development - Mayor Hafen detailed the City's numerous accomplishments in the last year, including: Retrofit and installation of 28,000 energy-efficient streetlights Design of the City's first hydro-turbine project in our water distribution system, which will use the natural flow of water to generate energy With Republic Services, implementation of a pilot recycling program which, in only a few short months, has increased recycling from 6% to more than 30% Completion of a comprehensive baseline inventory of greenhouse gas emissions Additionally, the Mayor detailed Henderson’s acknowledgement by the American Institute of Architects with both their Nevada 2010 Sustainable Practices Award and special recognition for the design and construction of our LEED certified North Police Station. Despite the economic downturn, Henderson is strong. As Mayor Hafen said, “Working together I know our best is yet to come.”   Visit the City website to watch the State of the City video or read the transcript.   February/March Traffic Advisories BYU Young Ambassadors The Henderson Pavilion will host a concert by the Brigham Young University (BYU) Young Ambassadors on February 25 from 5pm-11pm. Please expect a higher volume of traffic around the venue and surrounding areas including Green Valley Parkway and Paseo Verde Parkway.  St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival The Southern Nevada Sons of Erin will host the 45th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival, March 17-20. Several street closures within the Water Street District will be in effect during this time to accommodate the parade and activities. Temporary street closures with dates & times include: Atlantic Avenue (Lead Street - Water Street) Closed to Street Parking: March 17, 10pm – March 18, 5am, FULL Street Closure: March 18, 5am – March 20, 10pm Ocean Avenue (Van Wagenen Street - Haynes Drive): Closed to Through Traffic: March 19, 5am – March 19, 1pm Victory Road (From Water Street – Atlantic Avenue) Closed to Through Traffic: March 19, 5am – 1pm Water Street  (Ocean Avenue – Victory Road) Closed to Through Traffic & Street Parking: March 18, 10pm – March 19, 5am, FULL Street Closure: March 19, 5am-6pm   Public parking is available at various locations throughout the Water Street District including City Hall and Justice Facility parking garages, Henderson Convention Center parking lot and surrounding streets. For a full listing of all upcoming events, visit hendersonlive.com.       Crime Prevention Tip of the Month   Starting a Neighborhood Watch Crime is not just a police issue - it's a community issue. A Neighborhood Watch is a group of people who come together to be the eyes and ears of the police. Since 1972, the Neighborhood Watch program has united law enforcement agencies, private organizations and individual citizens in an effort to reduce crime and improve our communities.   Community Relations Officer David Kohlmeier explains, "We have great success with the Neighborhood Watch program, but need more of them in the City of Henderson".   The first step to starting a Neighborhood Watch is to request an informational packet. If, after learning about the program, you are interested in moving forward, an HPD Community Relations Officer will meet with you, your neighbors and your HOA board to discuss how the it can be customized to your community. To learn more about the Neighborhood Watch program or to request an informational packet, call (702) 267-5100 or visit www.cityofhenderson.com/police.     Help Fight the Drug Epidemic Report a drug dealer without identifying yourself and receive cash rewards upon arrest. Please call 267-DRUG, 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Reader Question of the Month     Q: Is there anything new to report on the progress for the proposed Mission View Park at Horizon Ridge and Annet?  A: Staff in the Parks and Recreation Department are currently reviewing the construction plans, which are approximately 60% complete. While the consultant is working on the plans, the restroom and shade structures must go through a design review. The project will then proceed to Planning Commission. At this point, it appears that the project will go out for bid late this summer. Estimating that construction takes 9-12 months, it will be completed and open in 2012. Do you have a question on a city project or program? Let us know and we will feature it in a upcoming E-inform.         Spring Watering Schedule Checkup Did you know that the majority of our drinking water is used outdoors to irrigate our landscaping?  That’s why mastering your landscape irrigation system is one of the most important things you can do around the house.  Whether you take care of your system yourself or hire someone, ensure that your system is in good working order.  First, take a few minutes to run through a cycle on your system.  Look for broken sprinkler heads and leaks and repair them as soon as possible.  Then look for water flowing or spraying off your property. By reducing your sprinklers run times, you can eliminate this problem and reduce water damage to your sidewalk, driveway, curbs and gutters.  Next make sure that your sprinkler clock is set properly to comply with your assigned watering schedule.  From March 1 through April 30, spray irrigation is allowed three days per week only on assigned watering days.   To find your watering group and assigned days, go to HendersonKnowsH2O.org.                 City of Henderson Neighborhood Services Barbara Geach, Acting Manager (702) 267-2000 www.cityofhenderson.com