My Rowlett

Latest Episodes:

Mayor’s Spotlight - Major Road Projects Update Aug 09, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to the August Mayor’s Spotlight Podcast episode! Every month your host, Mayor Blake Margolis is providing you with a deep dive into what’s going on in your hometown. And for the month of August, Mayor Margolis is interviewing your Director of Engineering & Interim Director of Public Works, Jeff Cohen! In this episode, they discuss and review active and upcoming major thoroughfare roadway projects going on in Rowlett.

We highly recommend listening to the full episode because it is packed with great information, but if you’re interested in hearing about a specific project, here is the list of what is discussed:

01:40 - 03:45 Status of Miller Road between Railroad tracks and Dalrock Road

03:46 - 8:31 Status of Miller Road bridge design

08:32 - 12:17 Status of Chiesa Roadd between Dalrock Road and Miller Road

12:18 - 17:55 Status of the Lakeview Pkwy / Dalrock Road intersection project

17:56 - 20:56 Status of Right-turn lane projects

20:57 - 26:21 Status of the Merritt Road Interconnector

26:22 - 32:40 Status of the Interstate 30 expansion project

More info about the project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vqh4XwvU4FA

Latest update from TX Dot: https://tinyurl.com/4rw9724m

32:41 - 37:25 Discussion of future potential bond projects

If you wish to suggest a topic, guest, or have a question- Please email podcast@rowlett.com

Important links:

https://www.rowletttx.gov/2054/My-Rowlett-Podcast

https://www.facebook.com/CityofRowlettTexas

https://www.youtube.com/user/RowlettTexasVideo

https://www.instagram.com/cityofrowletttexas

https://twitter.com/RowlettTexas

https://www.linkedin.com/company/city-of-rowlett

Friday @ 5- August 4 2023 Aug 04, 2023

Show notes

Tomorrow is the last day the Wet Zone will be open for the season, head on over between 12-6pm to get the last swim in before school starts!

On Monday, August 7, the intersection of miller road and Chiesa will be closed for several weeks to complete earthwork preparation and concrete paving. Visit rowlett.com for more info on both phases of this project!

We’ve released another episode of the My Rowlett Podcast! Tune in to learn more about how Rowlett recently became a GO TEXAN partner and the fun things that are happening in Downtown Rowlett! Listen on your favorite podcast platform today!

We want to take a moment to thank everyone who made this year’s Summer Reading Program a great success. Overall, we had:

2,093 total participants (a 20.7% increase over last year)
23,875 total hours read

Your favorite Liberians are scaling back children’s programming this month to plan some great programs for you this fall! Stay tuned to their social media!

And finally, if you haven’t taken the Rowlett Parks and Rec master plan update survey yet, we want your input to update this community plan! Visit rowlett.com for more info!

My Rowlett - GO TEXAN Aug 03, 2023

Show notes

We’re so excited to announce that the City of Rowlett is officially a GO TEXAN Partner City! If you’ve never heard about this program by the Texas Department of Agriculture, then this episode is for you!

At the beginning of this episode, we sit down and chat with Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller about the GO TEXAN program and what this means for the City of Rowlett! Afterward, we chat with our new Downtown Rowlett Manager, Melinda Bartram who spearheaded this partnership to discuss why she’s excited to be a GO TEXAN partner. Melinda also shares several updates about a variety of exciting projects that are happening in Downtown Rowlett.

More information about GO TEXAN:

“For over twenty years, the Texas Department of Agriculture's GO TEXAN program has been dedicated to showcasing products and businesses made right here in the Lone Star State.

Whether we are developing new sales and business opportunities for GO TEXAN Partners or encouraging consumers to look for the iconic GO TEXAN mark when making buying decisions, we will always strive to find new and meaningful ways to promote products and services that are Texas made and Texas proud.”

Learn more here: http://www.gotexan.org/ or visit https://www.texasagriculture.gov/

Follow GO TEXAN!

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GOTEXAN

Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/gotexan/

More information about Downtown Rowlett:

“Downtown Rowlett is growing. Steeped in history, the area was once located on the historic Bankhead Highway - the first all-weather transcontinental highway. Through its planning efforts, the City of Rowlett set out to maintain an organic feel to downtown, embracing its history while creating an urban environment. Rowlett was also one of the original Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) member cities and opened its first station in in 2012 on the Blue Line (Downtown Rowlett station), providing an optimal location for urban transit-oriented developments. The City created a Downtown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone and Downtown Municipal Management District to help spur additional development by providing needed infrastructure improvements.”

Learn more here: https://villageofrowlettdowntown.com/

Follow Downtown Rowlett!

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/downtownrowletttx

Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/downtownrowlett/

If you wish to suggest a topic, guest, or have a question- Please email Hannah Rabalais at podcast@rowlett.com or reach out online:

rowlett.com/podcast

https://www.facebook.com/CityofRowlettTexas

https://www.youtube.com/user/RowlettTexasVideo

https://www.instagram.com/cityofrowletttexas

https://twitter.com/RowlettTexas

https://www.linkedin.com/company/city-of-rowlett/

Friday@5 - July 21, 2023 Jul 21, 2023

Show notes

Here are the top news and highlights for the week of July 21st:

At Tuesday night's City Council Meeting, 100-year-old WWII Combat Bomber Pilot Carl S. Chilton, Jr. was honored and recognized as our 28th Rowlett Vet! More info here: https://tinyurl.com/3x3bs9f7

This week at Summer reading is Space Camp theme! Join us tomorrow at 11 am at the Rowlett Public Library for A Day in Space! More info here: https://tinyurl.com/3j99bndv

Our Parks & RecDeprtment Master Plan Update is underway and we need your input to update this community plan with your vision in mind! Tell us what you think by taking the survey here: https://tinyurl.com/fenzmmx2

The Annual Pooch Plunge hosted by the Friends of the Rowlett Animals is Sunday, August 6 @ The Wet Zone! Get your tickets now before they sell out here: https://tinyurl.com/mr4cbcwh

Mark your calendars for August 14th because we’re hosting a town hall meeting at the Rowlett community centre! This meeting will be hosted in person and on Facebook live. Get your questions ready!

If you wish to suggest a topic, guest, or have a question- Please email Hannah Rabalais at podcast@rowlett.com or reach out online:

www.rowlett.com/podcast

https://www.facebook.com/CityofRowlettTexas

https://www.youtube.com/user/RowlettTexasVideo

https://www.instagram.com/cityofrowletttexas

https://twitter.com/RowlettTexas

https://www.linkedin.com/company/city-of-rowlett/

Friday@5 - July 14, 2023 Jul 14, 2023

Show notes

Here’s your top news and events for the week of July 14!

Heads up I-30 drivers! Weather permitting, all lanes of I-30 will be closed at Dalrock Road from 9 PM Sat., July 15 through 11 AM Sun., July 16. Visit Rowlett.com for more info.

You are invited to join us for the next phase of the Chiesa Road Widening and Historical Documentation project. We hosted three successful public workshops in June and received some great ideas for design features that can help honor the family legacy in the area. We encourage you to drop in and spend 10-15 minutes reviewing and responding to the results from the June workshops.

All meetings will have the same content at different times, so come to one that works best for your schedule!

SUN, JULY 16: 2:00 - 4:00 PM

WED, JULY 19: 6:30 - 8:30 PM

FRI, JULY 21: 9:00 - 11:00 AM

Thank you for your time and feedback, learn more here:https://www.rowletttx.gov/2013/Chiesa-Road-Widening-and-Historical-Docu

Did you know that The Salvation Army partners with the City of Rowlett to facilitate mortgage, rent, and utility payment assistance for eligible Rowlett residents? Please call 214-637-8204 to apply. Learn more on Rowlett.com

The Citizens Police Academy is back! Applications for the class are on Rowlett.com and classes begin on August 17! Apply today, there are only 25 spots! Learn more here:https://www.rowletttx.gov/210/Citizen-Police-Academy

And finally…., this week we said our official goodbyes to our former City Manager Brian Funderburk. He has severed our community for 20 years and we’re so grateful for his leadership and for helping shape our community into what it is now. Thanks, Brian!!

Have a wonderful weekend Rowlett. See you here next week, thanks for tuning in!

Friday@5 - July 7, 2023 Jul 07, 2023

Show notes

Happy Friday, Rowlett! Here’s a short episode of the Friday @ 5 for July 7th!

The highlight of this week has to be our incredible Fireworks on Main event on Tuesday! Shoutout to everyone who made this fun and safe for the whole family. If you missed out, check out all the fun videos and photos on our social media!

Heads up, tomorrow, Saturday, July 8th, Miller Road will be closed both eastbound and westbound from the Miller/Chiesa Road intersection to Chardonnay Drive. The Road closure will start at 7:00 AM and reopen upon completion which is expected to be at 7:00 PM. Learn more on Rowlett.com!

Yesterday, your mayor Blake Margolis released his July Mayor’s Spotlight!

🎙️Listen to the podcast:https://tinyurl.com/3efzsrvd

📹 Watch the videocast: https://tinyurl.com/5n8xez3n

📰 Read the newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/3kyexmsv

"David is an innovative and dedicated local government professional who will serve our community very well. The City Council is excited for this next chapter in Rowlett, as he shares our passion to deliver quality City services and has the experience to lead our organization efficiently as our community continues to grow. I hope you enjoy getting to know your new City Manager, I know I did - Rowlett is in great hands!"

Have a great weekend, Rowlett!

If you wish to suggest a topic, guest, or have a question- Please email Hannah Rabalais at podcast@rowlett.com or reach out online:

www.rowlett.com/podcast

https://www.facebook.com/CityofRowlettTexas

https://www.youtube.com/user/RowlettTexasVideo

https://www.instagram.com/cityofrowletttexas

https://twitter.com/RowlettTexas

https://www.linkedin.com/company/city-of-rowlett/

Mayor’s Spotlight - July 2023 - New Rowlett City Manager David Hall Jul 06, 2023

Show notes

Mayor's Spotlight - July 2023

Message from Mayor Blake Margolis:

Last fall, after 20 years of service to the Rowlett community, and almost 40 years in local government, City Manager Brian Funderburk announced his plans to retire this month. After an extensive nationwide search that yielded almost 80 candidates, we were all very pleased to welcome City Manager David Hall to Rowlett at the beginning of June.

David is an innovative and dedicated local government professional who will serve our community very well. The City Council is excited for this next chapter in Rowlett, as he shares our passion to deliver quality City services and has the experience to lead our organization efficiently as our community continues to grow. This month, I took the opportunity to sit down with David and really dig into his experiences and plans for our City organization. I hope you enjoy getting to know your new City Manager, I know I did - Rowlett is in great hands!

To watch the interview, visit our YouTube Page

www.youtube.com/RowlettTexasVideo

To subscribe to the newsletter:

www.rowlett.com/newsletters

Friday@5 - Fireworks on Main 2023 - Know Before You Go! Jun 30, 2023

Show notes

We’re one week away from one of our favorite events of the year!! This episode has everything you need to #KnowBeforeYouGo to Fireworks on Main this Fourth of July! 🇺🇸

📅 Date: Tuesday, July 4

📍 Location: Pecan Grove Park (right behind the Wet Zone water park 5300 Main St.)

⏰ Time: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

☀️Tips to Beat the Heat ☀️

We encourage all visitors to bring a hat, cooling neck rag, neck fan, sunglasses, sunscreen, BUG SPRAY, and anything else to keep you safe from the hot outdoor conditions. There will be NO TENTS OR CANOPIES ALLOWED. You are welcome to bring personal-size umbrellas. We will have a big white tent canopy called "PUBLIC SHADE TENT" where you and your family can take a temporary break from the sun.

🌭Food & Beverages🌭

Coolers containing non-alcoholic beverages and snacks are permitted! We encourage everyone to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated! 💦If you don’t want to pack your own food, we’ve rounded up the best food trucks in the area to satisfy your cravings! We've got something for everyone!

💵PRO-TIP- Most vendors do accept credit cards, but we also recommend bringing cash!

🪑Seating 🪑

Remember to bring your own blankets or lawn chairs to ensure you have a comfortable spot to enjoy the festivities. If you’re looking for a chair that has shade built into it, check this one out we found online: https://tinyurl.com/2a7rb8jj

🎸Music Lineup🎸

5pm-6pm: @ Summer Dean

6:30pm-7:30pm: @ Live 80 Band

8pm-9:30pm: @ Emerald City Band

🎆 Spectacular Fireworks 🎆

As the sun sets and the sky darkens, get ready for an awe-inspiring fireworks display that will light up the night sky around 9:30pm! The best place to see the fireworks will be at the event.

🚗 Parking Information 🚗

Limited parking will be available at Rowlett High School. Carpooling is encouraged, and we will have a shuttle service available. You can find all of our maps and additional information here: https://tinyurl.com/4yn5xub9

Overflow/additional parking Locations: Rowlett First United methodist church, Rowlett First Baptist church, Rowlett City Hall, Herfurth Park, Coyle Middle School, Downtown Rowlett Gravel Parking lot behind Bankhead Brewery, Dart Station Parking lot 1.

🎈Kids Activites 🎈

We will have a designated childrens area to the right hand of the stage (map link below ⬇️)! Your kids can expect bounce houses, games and a Ninja Warrior course by @Ninja Nation - Murphy, TX.

🐶 Furry Friends 🐶

Your furry friends are allowed! But we recommend checking the heat index before you go, because it might be too hot for most animals to enjoy the event.

➡️Maps and more info here: https://tinyurl.com/4yn5xub9

📢 Spread the Word: Help us make this celebration unforgettable! Share this post with your friends, family, and neighbors. The more, the merrier!

Friday@5 - June 23, 2023 Jun 23, 2023

Show notes

Check out our Summer in Rowlett video!

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/reel/Csmvbl9JBpO/

Facebook:https://tinyurl.com/3fufj4fs

Here’s your top news and events for the week of June 23, Rowlett!

It’s Animal camp week at the Rowlett Library! Tomorrow at 11 am make sure to check out All About Animals Live! More info here: https://tinyurl.com/42nv7cpv

Also happening tomorrow, you can paddle with our parks board at 8am at paddle point park! If you don’t have the equipment, we’ll have some available for you to rent! Learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/yc89777r

At this week's City Council Meeting- City Council presented a Proclamation recognizing the month of June as National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month. The Water Tower will be lit in teal on June 27th for PTSD Awareness Day.

Mayor Blake Margolis also presented a Proclamation at this week’s City Council Meeting recognizing June as Pride Month. The water tower will be lit in Pride colors, on June 28 and we’ll be celebrating with our Taste of Pride event with Ice cream generously donated by Sammy Lou’s BBQ. Learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/2natu78u

Our last Farmers and Craft market is next Thursday, June 28 in Downtown Rowlett from 5:30-8:30pm! We hope to see you there!

Stay cool and hydrated this weekend Rowlett!!

If you wish to suggest a topic, guest, or have a question- Please email Hannah Rabalais at podcast@rowlett.com or reach out online:

www.rowlett.com/podcast

https://www.facebook.com/CityofRowlettTexas

https://www.youtube.com/user/RowlettTexasVideo

https://www.instagram.com/cityofrowletttexas

https://twitter.com/RowlettTexas

https://www.linkedin.com/company/city-of-rowlett/

Friday@5 - June 16, 2023 Jun 16, 2023

Show notes

Happy Friday Rowlett - Here's your top news and events for the Week of June 16th:

On Monday, we released another episode of the My Rowlett podcast featuring the RDEIC and its perfect timing because we talk about their upcoming events- join us tomorrow in downtown Rowlett for the Juneteenth block party from 10am-1pm. To learn more to listen to the podcast on Rowlett.com/podcast

Help us memorialize history! We’re working on a Chiesa Road documentary and we would love to interview you, or take a peek at any photos of films you might have of this area.

Call us at 469-215-8566. email us: podcast@rowlett.com

To learn more, we have one more public meeting on Sunday, June 18 from 2-4pm at RCC.

Visit Rowlett.com for more info!

Next Tuesday, June 20th at 6;30pm the Rowlett Police are hosting a Dog Walker Watch meeting at the RCC! To learn more about this program and how you can help PD while you’re out walking your dog, we highly recommend attending this event! Visit RPD on Facebook to learn more! www.facebook.com/rowlettpolicedepartment

Please help us assess Downtown Rowlett with this quick one-minute survey!

https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/0c8ea1ad4a5e4b358387d6a3efd55209

We want to know why you visit downtown, what you like and what you want from your experience. Your opinion is important to us! Visit our social post for more info!

If you wish to suggest a topic, guest, or have a question- Please email Hannah Rabalais at podcast@rowlett.com or reach out online:

rowlett.com/podcast

https://www.facebook.com/CityofRowlettTexas

https://www.youtube.com/user/RowlettTexasVideo

https://www.instagram.com/cityofrowletttexas

https://twitter.com/RowlettTexas

https://www.linkedin.com/company/city-of-rowlett/