HEATH – The City of Heath’s Department of Public Safety received a donation of $5,558 from CRC Insurance Services and Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company last month to purchase three automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

The check was presented to Heath officials April 5 at the City of Heath DPS headquarters.

(Michael Parks of CRC Insurance presents the check to Heath Public Safety Director Terry Garrett above.)

An AED is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses potentially life-threatening cardiac events and uses defibrillation to help the heart reestablish an effective rhythm. With this donation, AEDs will be onboard every Heath DPS fire apparatus.

“In an emergency, time is everything,” said Public Safety Director Terry Garrett, who added that the funds will also enable the DPS to purchase size adapters so that the AEDs can be used on infants.

“We are grateful for this donation that will allow us to provide the best care possible to every member our community.”

The City of Heath DPS is an integration of police, fire and emergency medical technician services with each officer certified in all three disciplines.

“That means when our officers arrive as the first responders to a call for help, they are able to immediately begin doing whatever is required to save lives or property,” said Chief Garrett.

The grant Heath DPS received is part of a nationwide philanthropic program funded by Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. The program is designed to provide needed equipment, training and educational tools to local fire departments.

Since 2004, Fireman’s Fund has issued grants to more than 1,700 different departments totaling more than $27 million. Independent insurance agencies and brokers that sell Fireman’s Fund products, like CRC, are able to direct these grants to support the fire service.

To visit Fireman’s Fund’s “Supporting Firefighters” Facebook page, go to facebook.com/SupportingFirefighters.

For more information about the City of Heath or Heath DPS, visit www.heathtx.com.

By J.J. Smith, Publisher

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The City of Heath continued its tradition of welcoming community members home from active military duty at the December 21 City Council meeting.

U.S. Coast Guard Reservist Petty Officer 2nd Class Mark “Andrew” Poindexter II, (middle right in above photo) who is a Heath public safety officer, was recognized by Mayor John Ratcliffe and the City Council after recently completing a nine-month deployment to JTF Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

He is the son of Rockwall Fire Chief Mark Poindexter, who is a former Heath police officer.

During his tour of duty, he received multiple awards including, a Commandant’s Letter of Commendation, Coast Guard Presidential Unit Citation, Coast Guard Unit Commendation Award, Coast Guard Reserve Good Conduct, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Coast Guard Overseas Ribbon w/Mobilization Device, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Coast Guard Rifle Expert Medal and Coast Guard Pistol Expert Medal.

After accepting the City’s recognition, Officer Poindexter made a surprise presentation of numerous awards to the City Council and staff that he had successfully secured from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).

The City of Heath, members of the City Council, City Manager Ed Thatcher, Heath Public Safety Chief Terry Garrett and his officers were presented with the ESGR’s Patriot Award.

The Patriot Award recognizes employers who support a strong National Guard and Reserve force. Employers qualify for the award when they practice leadership and personnel policies that support employee participation in the Guard and Reserve.

Additionally, Chief Garrett and the Heath DPS received the ESGR’s “Above and Beyond Award,” an exclusive honor given to employers whose support exceeds legal requirements for granting leave and providing support for military duty by their employees.

“I am privileged to work for the City of Heath and am thankful for the friends and family in my life,” said Officer Poindexter. “All the steps different people took to help out while I was away made climbing the mountain of being deployed that much easier.”

Officer Poindexter cited numerous examples of the help he received beginning with Chief Garrett’s initial reaction to the news of his upcoming deployment.

“I shared with the Chief my stress about leaving the department short-handed and the financial impact of my deployment on my family,” said Poindexter.

“For over two hours he counseled me and offered solutions. Most importantly, he assured me that I wasn’t leaving my colleagues in a lurch. He said that I was actually opening my arms in support of their freedom.”

Heath DPS officers readily stepped up to cover Officer Poindexter’s shifts while he was away, and also took care of repairs and home maintenance chores like mowing the lawn for his wife, Christa, and young son, Trey.

“I never imagined that so many things could break while I was away!” said Officer Poindexter. “But the guys took care of everything.”

Additionally, the Heath City Council amended staffing policies that secured Officer Poindexter’s position and salary while he was away. These policies remain in place should other employees face military deployment in the future.

“We gratefully acknowledge that we live in freedom today because of the many sacrifices that have been and continue to be made today by our armed forces,” said Mayor John Ratcliffe.

“It is both a privilege and a duty to support brave officers such as Officer Poindexter and the other men and women from our hometown who have left the safety and comfort of home to serve and protect America.”

In addition to Officer Poindexter’s wife and son, Mayor Ratcliffe acknowledged extended family members for their sacrifices including his deployment:  parents Chief Poindexter of Rockwall and Pollyanna Frazier of Laguna Vista; siblings Mindy, Ginger and Zach Poindexter; grandparents Billie and Linnie Hartman; and grandmother Ida Morrow.

City officials and Poindexter family from left are: Chief Poindexter; Heath Mayor John Ratcliffe; Heath DPS Chief Terry Garrett; Christa Poindexter; Officer Mark Poindexter II; Trey Poindexter; Zach Poindexter; and Pollyanna Frazier.

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By J.J. Smith. The Heath City Council extended the City’s teen curfew ordinance for at least three more years at their Council meeting last Tuesday.

Approved by a 3-2 margin, the ordinance prohibits minors under 17 years old from being in a public place on weekdays between 12:01 am and 6 am, and between 1:01 a.m. and 6 a.m. on weekends.

It first became effective in 2004 and was renewed for three more years in 2007.

Council members Robert Hille, Karen Lewis and Rich Krause voted in favor of the extension. Lorne Liechty and Steve McKimmey voted against it. Mayor John Ratcliffe and Julie Zurek were absent.

Public Safety Chief Terry Garrett spoke in favor of the ordinance prior to the vote, stating there were no violations of the ordinance last year and that it gives police officers “a tool to use if needed.”

Despite Garrett’s support for the ordinance, Mayor Pro Tem Liechty said it  is a “completely unnecessary law.”

“This ordinance was passed as you put it, and as your predecessor put it, because police wanted another tool in your arsenal to deal with issues,” he said.

“Frankly, I think it’s parents’ rights and duty to watch over their kids and to me, the idea of being outside being a crime any time of the day, I don’t get it.”

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Rockwall Herald Banner. The City of Heath is again moving forward with plans to build a water tower on city-owned property behind The Fulton School.

Mayor John Ratcliffe said Tuesday night during a regular meeting of the Heath City Council that school officials had been given 90 days to explore alternate sites for the elevated water storage facility. School officials were “very diligent” in their efforts, Ratcliffe said, but they were not successful in finding an alternate site.

After a discussion, Ratcliffe asked city council members where they wanted to go with the project.

“I think we should go on with the engineering and proceed with the project,” responded Rich Krause.

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By J.J. Smith. The City of Heath has just announced that it is a recipient of more than $1 million in funding over four years to be used for infrastructure improvements that will make it safer for Heath children to walk or bike to school.

The federal funding is awarded through the Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) for “Safe Routes to School” projects.

According to Heath Assistant City Manager Kim Dobbs, a total of $1,034,383 was awarded to the City for four projects that include  improvements around Cain Middle School, Amy Parks-Heath Elementary and Dorothy Pullen Elementary Schools.

A small portion of the funding, $13,800, will be used to educate students, parents and drivers about safe travel, she said.

“We are thrilled to be a recipient of funding for our Safe Routes to School projects,” said City of Heath Mayor John Ratcliffe. “Over 280 project applications were received by the Texas Department of Transportation and our community was extremely fortunate to receive 100 percent approval for the requested projects.”

“TxDOT reports that the number of children who walk and bike to school has declined significantly over the last 40 years,” he added. “The program goal of these projects will help our children and parents make healthier lifestyle choices that will have long-term positive impacts throughout our community.”

Dobbs said when TxDOT announced the program availability, Rockwall County Commissioner Lorie Grinnan helped bring the City of Heath, RISD and community members together to strategize, plan, and evaluate projects for submission.

The City of Heath completed the process with the grant application preparation and submittal.

The trail projects in Heath will require preliminary work including right of way acquisition, engineering and utility relocation. An estimated start date will be determined upon the City’s receipt of formal correspondence from the TTC regarding project timing and funding arrangements specific to Heath and the award.

“We want to thank the many people in our community who supported the City’s efforts to apply for this grant, and we congratulate City staff in our Public Works Department including Lisa Palomba, who worked hard to prepare a very detailed and successful application,” said Mayor Ratcliffe.

Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is a relatively new federal program which is designed to reduce traffic congestion, fuel costs, air pollution, safety issues and school bus trips so more children can walk and bicycle to school.

The program also seeks to improve their safety along the way reduce fuel consumption and air pollution near schools—all helping to create livable communities.

In 2005, the U.S. Congress passed the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). Section 1404 of the transportation legislation designates $612 million in Federal transportation funds for the SRTS program.

The funds are distributed through each State’s department of transportation (DOT). The program also helps address other issues in the news including reduced school budgets for purchasing, operating, and maintaining schoolbuses; childhood obesity; and the need for community revitalization.

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The city council approved an ordinance Tuesday night that established a planned development zoning district in the Cobblestone Farms Phase 2 addition, on the northwest corner of Horizon Road and Hope Drive.

The developer will be Whittle Development.

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By J.J. Smith. Nov. 14 was proclaimed “Margo Nielsen Day” by City of Heath Mayor John Ratcliffe in recognition of  her 20 years of service to Rockwall County residents as Executive Director of Rockwall Helping Hands during a community appreciation evening hosted Nov. 14 at Heath Salon and Spa.

The event was a finale to a week-long schedule of activities presented by Heath Salon and Spa that raised more than $9,000 for the Helping Hands Medical Facility.

“Margo Nielsen joined Helping Hands in 1989 and has since provided creative leadership, overseeing the growth of the agency from three to thirty employees with a current annual budget of $1,800,000,” said Mayor Ratcliffe, as he presented Mrs. Nielsen with a proclamation declaring Nov. 14 as “Margo Nielsen Day” in the City of Heath.

Rockwall County has experienced tremendous growth during Mrs. Nielsen’s tenure, and she has courageously and consistently inspired the community to care for neighbors in need, Mr. Ratcliffe said.

Mrs. Nielsen has led Helping Hands, its staff and volunteers in improving its facilities and providing services through the Thrift Stores, Health Center, Assistance and Referrals and the  Food Pantry.

Mayor Ratcliffe noted that Nielsen’s name has become synonymous with the mission of Helping Hands:

Helping the dependent become independent; helping the needy to improve the quality of their lives; helping individuals and families to find supportive resources; and helping the advantaged to find meaningful ways to serve.

Pictured above from left are Mayor John Ratcliffe, Margo Nielsen and Heath Hair Salon and Spa owner Juana French.

The official proclamation reads as follows:

City of Heath, Texas

 PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, in 1977 through the vision and initiative of Heath resident Robert Reeves and other dedicated Rockwall area residents, the foundation was laid for Helping Hands to provide compassionate care to those in our community in critical need; and

WHEREAS, the City of Heath values the enormous contribution of Helping Hands to the well-being of our community; and

WHEREAS, Margo Nielsen joined Helping Hands in 1989 and has since provided creative leadership, overseeing the growth of the agency from three to thirty employees with a current annual budget of $1,800,000, improving the facilities of the agency and providing service through the Thrift Stores, Health Center, Assistance and Referrals and Food Pantry; and

WHEREAS, the last twenty years have brought tremendous growth in Rockwall County and the City of Heath and Margo Nielsen has courageously and consistently inspired our community to care for our neighbors in need; and

WHEREAS, because of her enduring character and commitment, Margo Nielsen’s name has become synonymous with the mission of Helping Hands: “helping the dependent become independent; helping the needy to improve the quality of their lives; helping individuals and families to find supportive resources; and helping the advantaged to find meaningful ways to serve; and

Whereas, the residents of the City of Heath proudly call Margo Nielsen, neighbor and friend and wish to join in the celebration of Margo Nielsen’s twenty years of service and dedication,

NOW THEREFORE I, the Mayor of the City of Heath, do hereby proclaim November 14, 2009 as

 Margo Nielsen Day

 in the City of Heath and urge all citizens of Heath to recognize her accomplishments and contributions to our community and encourage citizen support for Helping Hands.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and have caused the Seal of the  City of Heath, Texas, to be affixed this 14^th day of November, 2009.

______________________________

                                                                                                         John Ratcliffe, Mayor

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By Kim Dobbs. Johnny Solis had many career choices as a young man, but a desire to serve others led him to the City of Heath.

“I was going to college and running my own landscape company when I enrolled in the police academy in 1988,” said Solis. “I kept up with my college and my business activities, but when I was offered one of the first full-time officer positions available in the City of Heath, the decision was easy.”

Solis left college in his senior year to accept the job offer in Heath and served the growing community for the next 21 years.

“My career in Heath has been wonderful,” said Solis, who officially retired as a sergeant from the City on June 30.  “It has been exciting to see the community go from fields where cotton grew to a town with streets, schools and parks. A lot of progress has been made, and there’s going to be so much more in the next 10 years.”

“We have been very fortunate to have an officer of Johnny’s caliber serving our community for over two decades,” said Heath Mayor John Ratcliffe, as the City Council honored Johnny during a recent council meeting.

“While saving scores of lives and properties, he has been an integral part of the Department of Public Safety’s development.”

“Johnny started his career in Heath while the department was still in its formative stages. He was a leader who made many contributions and earned numerous commendations,” said Terry Garrett, chief and director of the Heath Department of Public Safety.

“Johnny always took his service to the community seriously, and he was always striving to find the best solution to a problem.”

Different in structure than traditional Police and Fire Departments, Heath’s Department of Public Safety combines fire rescue, police and emergency medical services. That change was made in 2000, and Solis was the first officer to become triple certified in all three disciplines. That meant when he arrived as a first responder to a call for help, he was able to immediately begin doing whatever was required to save a life or property.

While the officer took his responsibilities to the community very seriously, he could always be counted on to lighten the mood when needed. Promoted to sergeant in 1991 and serving as interim Chief three times during his tenure, Solis will best be remembered by colleagues and residents for his jovial nature and amusing stories.

“Johnny’s sense of humor was always a welcome part of what can be a difficult job,” said Chief Garrett. “Nick-named ‘Mr. Heath’ by a former chief, he was a well-liked officer among his peers and a recognized personality in the community. Residents would often ask for him specifically when they needed assistance.”

And that’s what the newly-retired officer says he will miss the most in his retirement. “It was very rewarding to get to know and become friends with so many people,” he said. “The people of Heath made my job wonderful.”

Raised in Rowlett and a Rockwall resident for 16 years, Solis is now pursuing a new business venture. He will also enjoy more time for family activities including his sons’ baseball games and his daughter’s softball.

Kim Dobbs is the Assistant City Manager at the City of Heath.

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BY J.J. SMITH

A program manager for L-3 Communications in Greenville, who is the president of the Antigua Bay Homeowners Association in Heath, has announced he is running for the newly-created Heath City Council Place 6 position.

Voters will elect the new city council member May 9.

Also running for the position are Heath residents Tommie Goodson and John Koerner.

Krause and his family have lived in Heath for 15 years, during which time he has  served the community in a variety of capacities.

As the president of the homeowners association, Krause said he has represented his neighborhood before the city council since 1999. He was appointed to the City’s Board of Adjustments in 2004, the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC) in 2007, and recently graduated from the Heath DPS Citizens Academy.

During that time he said he has worked closely  with city staff, elected officials, Planning and Zoning and the Park Board “to make Heath a great place to live.”

Because he served on the Comprehensive Plan Committee, he said has already participated in the initial planning for this development and believes he understands better than the other candidates what is at stake.

“I am excited about the opportunity to help implement the Comprehensive Plan on which the committee spent over a year helping to re-write,” he said.

“The citizens of Heath, as well as my experience, tell me that maintaining the quality of life in Heath consists of addressing issues like roads, parks and open spaces with low-density developments.”

According to Krause, he has the most experience among Place 6 candidates and, if elected, can move quickly because of the relationships he has already established.

“I am the most qualified candidate for this position and I look forward to serving the City of Heath as we move forward at this unique juncture in the life of our city,” Krause said.

Because of the current economic environment, he said he will bring a “conservative perspective to our budget, taxes and expenditures, working diligently with other council members to continue providing top-notch city services – without impacting our financial stability.”

“We will soon have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create the new Heath City Center,” he explained.

“This new city hall, with a combination of municipal, retail and cultural facilities, will project the image of Heath. If well planned and executed, in the right location, it will not only improve the tax base, but provide an economic and cultural center in Heath for decades to come,” he added.

Krause has worked at the L-3 Greenville Facility since 1990 when it was E-Systems with progressive responsibilities from Program Quality Manager, Subcontract Administrator to Program Manager while earning three college degrees, including an MBA.

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