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1. What is Home Rule?

The City of Alvarado is currently a General Law City governed by the Lws of the State of Texas.  Because the City has grown to over 5,000 in population, the Texas Constitution allows the City to establish its own rules for municipal government by adopting a Home Rule Charter.

2. What is a city charter?

Home Rule cities must write and adopt charters. A Charter is akin to a municipal constitution that is written and adopted by an election of the citizens. The Charter defines and limits the powers, duties and responsibility of local government based on local preferences and desires. It defines the form of local government and establishes organizational provisions. The citizens determine the necessary controls over their city government such as elections, referendums, initiatives, and recall, and define the procedures to amend the Charter. Essentially, the Charter describes and defines local government based on local preferences and controls as opposed to general laws written by the Texas legislature.

3. How is a Home Rule Charter adopted?

 Procedures to adopt the Home Rule Charter are listed below and can be found in Chapter Nine of the Texas Local Government Code: 

• Selection of a Home Rule Charter Commission; 
• The Charter Commission prepares the proposed Home Rule Charter and submits the proposed Charter to the City Council for review; 
• City Council places the Charter on the ballot for the next uniform election date (Special Election date - May 6, 2023); 
• All registered voters, of the City, to receive a copy of the approved and proposed Charter by mail thirty (30) days prior to the election; 
• Citizens vote whether or not to adopt the proposed Charter in the election. The adoption of a Charter is by majority vote.

4. How was the public involved in the Home Rule Charter process?

Home Rule Charter Commission

Theeb Dieb	Pam Jones	Kevin Thomas
Jill Dennis	Tara Monrose	Richard VanWinkle
Marty Douglas	Lydia Moon	Flint Webb
Tom Durington	Joshua Rendon	Jacob Wheat
Kenneth Estes	Israel Stephens

The Home Rule Charter Commission was comprised of 14 members representing the wards and organizations within the City. The commission held public meetings at City Hall, satisfying the Texas Open Meetings Act requirements, and during each meeting time was set aside to receive public comments. 

City Council heard the recommendation from the Home Rule Charter Commission at the Council meeting on January 23, 2023, and Council unanimously approved to place the Home Rule Charter on the ballot in a Special Election scheduled for May 6, 2023.   On May 6, 2023, voters approved the Home Rule Charter, and it was officially adopted by the Alvarado City Council on May 15, 2023.

Click here to view the Home Rule Charter and appendix of reference materials.  https://www.cityofalvarado.org/306/City-of-Alvarado-Elections

 

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1. What is Zoning?

Zoning establishes the types of land uses permitted on a specific tract of land. Zoning also regulates the size, intensity, and height of development, as well as signage, screening, and parking related to development.

2. How does Zoning Change?

The zoning on a specific piece of property can change only through a public hearing process. This process allows public participation from the applicant, interested citizens, and decision-makers. The process requires public notification, public hearings, and final approval by the City Council.

3. Where and when do I submit my zoning change request?

Before the cutoff time, the applicant should submit a completed application form, necessary fees, and other required information to the Community Development Department. The applicant or a representative is expected to attend both the Planning and Zoning meeting and the City Council meeting to make a short presentation and answer any questions.

4. What is an application cut-off?

The application cut-off is the last day for submitting a zoning application.

5. How long will the rezoning process take?

The zoning process will take approximately 6 to 8 weeks to complete.

6. What is the notification process?

The applicant and all owners of real property within 200 feet of the proposed change are notified by mail of the Planning and Zoning meetings, at least 10 days before the meeting. Notice of public hearing for the City Council meeting hearings appears at least 15 days before meeting in the official newspaper of Alvarado.

7. How can citizens participate in the zoning process?

During the public hearings, the applicant and people in favor of or opposed to the request may present their views. In addition to speaking at the public hearing, you may also send letters to the Commission and Council either directly or through the Community Development Department.

8. When and where are the meetings?

The Planning and Zoning Commission meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm, when needed. The City Council meets on the third Monday of every month at 6:30 pm Both boards meet in the Council Chambers at 
City Hall at 104 W College
Alvarado, Texas, 76009.

9. Where can I get additional information about rezoning?

Planning and Zoning questions should be directed to Community Development Director, Justin French at 817-790-3351 or by email at frenchj@cityofalvarado.org . You may go to City Hall at 104 W College to view Zoning Maps and discuss questions.

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1. When should I call 9-1-1?

Residents should call 911 only for police, fire or medical emergencies. When calling 911, stay on the line and try to remain calm with your information ready. If you are calling to file a police report, it can be made by calling 817-556-6060. To contact a specific police employee call 817-790-0910.

2. Where is the Alvarado Police Department located?

The Alvarado Police Department is located in the City of Alvarado Annex, 600 S Parkway. This building is open during normal business hours (Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm). Patrol Officers, in the field, provide coverage to the city 24 / 7 and can be contacted through dispatch at 817-556-6060.

3. What are the contact numbers for the Alvarado Police Department?

The following are a listing of phone numbers for the Alvarado Police Department:

• Administration: 817-790-0910
• Criminal Investigations: 817-790-0910
• Dispatch: 817-556-6060

4. How Do I Make a Complaint?

State law requires that complaints involving police officers be sworn under oath and notarized. For your convenience, a complaint form (PDF) can be picked up in the lobby of the Alvarado Police Department (600 S Parkway, Alvarado TX 76009) or printed from the web-page. It does not require an appearance at the police department. Complaints against members of the Alvarado Police Department may be initiated in person to a supervisor or officer in charge, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They may also be made in person at the Alvarado Police Department, which is open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm (except during City holidays). There is also the option of filling out the form, getting it notarized, and then mailing it to the address above.

5. What Happens To My Complaint After It Is Received?

All complaints received by the Department are processed through the police administration. When a complaint is received, it is reviewed to determine the nature of the allegations. The most serious type of complaints are investigated by an opening an Internal Affairs Investigation. These complaints involve allegations such as excessive force, any discharge of firearms, or criminal activity such as theft. Complaints comparatively less serious in nature, such as rude behavior or improper procedure, are forwarded to the individual officer's division for investigation. In every case, the person making the complaint will be contacted during the investigation for additional information, and will be notified by mail of the final disposition.

6. What do I do if I am involved in an auto accident?

If you are involved in a minor collision where there are no visible signs of injury to persons involved and the vehicles are drivable then move your vehicle out of the traveled portion of the roadway. Cars left in the road contribute to traffic back-ups, which can cause other collisions. In fact, State law requires that motorists move their cars from freeways. Call the police and exchange driver information.

7. Who do I call to ask about someone who has been arrested?

All information about people in jail can be obtained from calling the Johnson County Jail at 817-556-6000.

8. My vehicle was towed by the Alvarado Police Department, where is it now?

Call the Johnson County Dispatch Center, 817-556-6060, and ask them what tow company towed the vehicle. The Alvarado Police Department, when impounding vehicles, uses the county implemented wrecker rotation.

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1. What are the requirements for new water, sewer and garbage service?

Come to the Utility Billing Department no later than 3 pm of the day you want the service started, fill out an application and pay the deposit. Deposits cannot be added to the first month's bill. You must pay up front before service can be provided.

2. How soon do I need to call in to get water service?

You may come to the Utility Billing Department anytime up to 3 pm of the same day you want service.

3. Can I pay my bill by credit card?

Yes, via phone or internet. The city accepts VISA, Master Card, Discover, and American Express. The city charges a 3% convenience charge.

4. Why is my water bill so high?

We must go by the readings on the meter to calculate your charges, so all we can do is suggest common problem areas for you to check, such as: Sprinkler systems: They use more water than most people think. You can read your meter anytime to keep up with your usage. If it is set to come on during the night, read the meter before you go to bed, then again the next morning before anyone uses any water to see how many gallons were used. Commodes: Sometimes they do not shut off automatically and this can run a lot of water through it while you're away. (Silent leak - described below) Leak in the line from meter to house: Sometimes a wet spot does not show on top of the ground. Water can leak from the line down into the ground.

5. How can I tell if my toilet has a silent leak?

Remove the cover to the tank part of the toilet. Drop 3-4 drops of food coloring (blue, red, or green) in the tank. Wait 5 - 10 minutes. If the food coloring appears in the bowl of the toilet, then you have a leak.

6. How can I tell if I have a leak?

Make sure no one in the house is using water, like dishwashers, showers or washing machine. Go out to the meter and shine a flashlight on it (regular light, not LED) Most homes are now equipped with a new electronic meter that is solar powered. If you see an image of a drippy faucet appear, this indicates a leak between the meter and.your home or business. On an older style meter, there may be a small pea size circle with a blue or red triangle on it. Watch this triangle for 5 to 10 minutes and if it moves, you have a leak. If no triangle is present, simply see if any of the numbers on the dials change. This also indicates a leak.

7. How can the meter reader read my meter if there is so much dirt on it?

Most of our meters are electronic and are radio read, meaning our meter readers do not have to physically see the meter to read it. A computer picks up an electronic signal as the readers drive by in their vehicle. For older style meters, Mother Nature has her way of covering up meters by the wind blowing, ground shifting, rain and even mowing your yard. The meter reader does not necessarily have to wipe off all the dirt to in order to read the meter. Remember, they are trained and do this on a daily basis.

8. Where is the police department located?

The Alvarado Police Department is located in the City of Alvarado Annex, 600 S Parkway. This building is open during normal business hours (Monday through Friday / 8 am-5 pm).

9. What are the contact numbers for the Alvarado Police Department?

The following are a listing of phone numbers for the Alvarado Police Department:

• Administration: 817-790-0910
• Criminal Investigations: 817-790-0910
• Dispatch: 817-556-6060

10. What do I do if I am involved in an auto accident?

If you are involved in a minor collision where there are no visible signs of injury to persons involved and the vehicles are drivable then move your vehicle out of the traveled portion of the roadway. Cars left in the road contribute to traffic back-ups, which can cause other collisions. In fact, State law requires that motorists move their cars from freeways. Call the police and exchange driver information.

Accidents resulting in $1000 in damage must be reported to the Texas Department of Transportation. This is either done by the officer investigating the collision or by the parties involved by filling out a self reporting accident report (CR-2 or "Blue Form").

11. When should I call 9-1-1?

Residents should call 911 only for police, fire or medical emergencies. When calling 911, stay on the line and try to remain calm with your information ready. If you are calling to file a police report, it can be made by calling 817-556-6060. To contact a specific police employee call 817-790-0910.