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Animal Control

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1. What should I do if my neighbor's dog will not stop barking?

Contact Animal Control at (972) 576-3414.

2. How old should my pet be before their rabies vaccination is required?

6 months.

3. Do I need to register my pet with the City?

Only dogs are required to be registered. Registration is free & can be done with proof of rabies vaccination at the Public Works Office at 411 W. Red Oak Rd.

4. How many animals can I have?

The maximum amount of cats and dogs can be no more than 4 total.

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Citizen Police Academy

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1. What is the purpose of conducting a Citizen Police Academy?

To give the public information on how the Police Department works and its policies and
procedures, through a series of classes involving instruction by police officers.

2. Where did the concept originate?

The program originates in Orlando, Florida in 1984. Orlando was the first city in the United States to start a Citizen Police Academy.

3. What was the Red Oak Police Department’s incentive for starting a Citizen Police Academy?

We feel the more information the public has about the Police Department, then less fears and misconceptions will exist.

4. When does the class meet?

There are two Citizen Police Academy sessions per year. Students meet at Red Oak Police Department facilities. There will be a total of approximately 39 hours of instruction by police officers. All classes are free.

5. Who attends the Citizen Police Academy?

Students range from 20 years of age and above. We have architects, bankers, homemakers, students, retirees, teachers, neighborhood groups, and professionals attending the classes.

6. How do you apply?

You must be at least 20 years old and live or work in the Red Oak area. Complete the Citizen Police Academy Application and mail it to the address below. If you have any questions or need more information, call Nathan Bickerstaff, Citizen Police Academy Director at (972) 617-7632.
Mailing Address:
Citizen Police Academy
Officer Nathan Bickerstaff
547 N. Methodist St.
Red Oak, Texas 75154

7. When are classes?

The Citizen Police Academy is offered two times a year at ROPD Headquarters.
You choose from the following:

• Class September 2010; Evening classes with hours from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
• Class March 2011; three Saturday classes with hours from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm It will be one Saturday a month for three months.

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City Council

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1. When are council meetings held?

The second Monday of every month. Special Meetings, Workshops, and Public Hearings may be called as needed.

2. Were are council meetings held?

City Council Meetings are held in the Council Chambers of the Red Oak Municipal Center,
200 Lakeview Parkway
Red Oak, Texas, 75154

3. When and where are agendas posted?

As required by law, all meeting agendas are posted 72 hours in advance on the Municipal Center bulletin board which is the city's official posting place. The bulletin board is located in the entry way of the Red Oak Municipal Center at
200 Lakeview Parkway
Red Oak, Texas 75154

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Code Enforcement

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1. Do I have non-conforming rights? (Grandfathered)

Non-conforming rights are rights given to a property or business owner to continue a use of a property after zoning has changed making that use not allowed. This can happen if an area is re-zoned, annexed, or if the zoning ordinances are amended. Regulations to health, safety, and property maintenance are not exempted by a non-conforming status and must be adhered to. A non-conforming use can not be increased in size. Non-conforming rights can be lost if a use is discontinued for 90 days, structures are removed, or if other specialized conditions are met. If you have questions about non-conforming rights, please call Code Enforcement at 972-576-3414.

2. I feel like I was singled out. Was I?

Red Oak Code Enforcement takes non-discriminatory enforcement of city ordinances very seriously and strives to ensure that every citizen is treated fairly. Sometimes, however we are unaware of a similar problem close to you. If you feel you were singled out, please let us know by calling Code Enforcement at 972-576-3414.

3. I received a letter or a notice on my door. (Notice of Violation) What do I do?

If you received a Notice of Violation in the mail or on your door you are being notified of a problem at your property. This is not a citation and there is no fine. However, to prevent further action by the city please take the corrective actions stated on your notice. If you are unsure what you need to do, need more time, have questions, or feel the notice was issued in error please call Code Enforcement at 972-576-3414.

4. I received a seizure warning on my vehicle. What do I do?

If you have received a seizure warning it is imperative that you take immediate action to do one of the following:

Move the vehicle into the garage
Reassemble and repair the vehicle and obtain current inspection and registration certificates.
Remove the vehicle from the property to a repair facility, indoor storage facility, or a salvage facility.

Failure to remedy a junked vehicle will result in a seizure of the vehicle.

SEIZED VEHICLES ARE SOLD FOR SALVAGE AND CAN NOT BE REDEEMED.

If you have questions about your vehicle, please contact Code Enforcement at 972-576-3414.

5. I was issued a citation or received one in the mail. What do I do?

If you received any letter, or posting on your door that is titled "Notice of Violation" you have NOT received a citation. Please see our FAQ on Notice of Violation. If you have received a citation, there will be instructions attached on how to pay the window fine or schedule a court date. If you have questions about how to pay or set a court date, you may call the Red Oak Municipal Court at 469-218-7700. If you have questions about a code enforcement case on your property, call Code Enforcement at 972-576-3414.

6. My sign is gone. Did the city take it?

If you did not obtain a permit for your sign, or placed it in the right-of-way it is possible that Code Enforcement removed and impounded your sign. Signs that are removed by the city are stored for 30 days to give the owner a chance to claim them. After 30 days the signs are disposed of. Sign are released upon payment of $50.00 plus $10.00 per day for storage. To find out if your sign has been impounded call 972-576-3414 or in person at 411 W. Red Oak Rd.

7. Where do I get a permit?

All permits for construction, signs, garage sales, vending, health (food service), and certificates of occupancy can be obtained Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm at the Public Works Building 411 W. Red Oak Rd.

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Economic Development

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1. How do I contact the mayor or City Council?

Visit Mayor for contact information and view City Council for email address,phone number, and fax number.

2. How do I apply for a permit?

If you would like to apply for a permit please view Permits & Applications.

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Finance

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1. What is the sales tax rate in Red Oak?

The sales tax rate in the City of Red Oak is 8.25%.

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Human Resources

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1. How do I apply for a position with the City of Red Oak?

Applications may be obtained online or from the Red Oak Municipal Center at
200 Lakeview Parkway
Red Oak, Texas 75154

2. How long are applications retained?

Your resume / application will be retained for six months.

3. How many employees does the City of Red Oak have?

The City of Red Oak generally has about 72 full-time employees and 22 part-time employees.

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Library

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1. Who can get a library card?

Anyone can acquire a library card. If you pay property taxes to the City of Red Oak, or are a Red Oak city employee or a Red Oak school teacher your card is free of charge. For all other interested patrons a yearly membership fee of $20 is required. Children may be added under a registered adult for $5 each.

Only a legal parent or guardian may get a card for a child, and may be asked to show legal proof of guardianship. All fees accumulated on the child’s card are the financial responsibility of the parent or guardian.

2. What do I need to get a card?

You may fill out the online card application in the library or at home. Once you have registered yourself, come to the Library with photo ID with your name and current address (like a driver’s license). If your license does not have your current address you may bring a recent utility bill, lease, temporary driver’s license, or certified mail to prove residency. Show this proof to the library staff member and they will update your account and issue you a library card. If applying for a city employee or Red Oak teacher card then you will need to show ID or a pay-stub and a driver’s license.

3. What computer/printing services does the library offer?

Red Oak Public Library has 5 public access desktops and 5 public access desktops available for use within the library. See the fines/fees page for printing/copying/fax costs. All computers have internet access and word processing software. Wifi is also available for library members.

4. What is the password to my library account?

By default your password is the last four digits of the primary phone number on your account. If your password is not working, or you need to reset it, please contact the library.

5. How many items can I check out, and for how long?

Any patron is allowed to check out up to 50 items on one account. DVD’s are limited to five DVD’s at one time. DVD’s may only be checked out for three days. All other items are loaned for 14 days. Due dates are shown on receipt issued at check out. Overdue notification is a courtesy and not a requirement. Patrons can check the status of their account by sign into Red Oak Public Library. If they do not know their log-in information they can ask library staff to reset their password (by default the last four digits of their phone number)

6. I forgot my card. Can I still check out items?

You can still check out items by showing photo ID to library staff. However, you can only show ID to check out a maximum of three times before you will have to pay the replacement fee and get a new card.

7. What if I have a card at another library? (TexShare)

If you already have valid membership at another Texas library you may be eligible to receive a free Red Oak card through the TexShare program. Ask your home library if they can give you a TexShare card to present to Red Oak Library staff to receive limited borrowing privileges for 3 months. TexShare patrons may not check out DVDs or use library computer services.

8. Can I renew borrowed items?

All material can be renewed for its allotted period of time provided another patron has not placed it on hold. If the item is on hold, the current patron must bring it back to the library. DVD’s that are on the new DVD list cannot be renewed or held.

9. Can I place holds on items in the library collection?

Patrons may place holds on all material except the newest DVD’s. Patrons may place holds online through the catalog, or with the assistance of a staff member. You will receive an automated message when your items are ready. Please allow 24 - 48 hours for items that are checked in to be ready for pick up. If the item is checked out, it will be placed on hold when it is returned. Holds are kept active for six months before expiring.

10. Why is my card blocked / expired?

If a patron owes more than $10, their card is blocked from use. This includes using the Internet and checking out materials but does not block the use of the library catalog or using materials within the library. Expired cards are also blocked. Resident’s cards expire every three years and require the patron to update their current information yearly. Out of city cards expire after one year, and Texshare cards expire every three months.

Cards may be updated at the library information desk as long as the patron shows photo ID.

11. What if the library does not have the item I want?

If the library does not own the item, you have two options:

1) Place the item on the patron suggestion list hanging in the library or use our online suggestion form here. Library staff will refer to this list when they next order items. It is not guaranteed that we will buy everything you place on the list, but we will seriously consider it.

2) Ask to place an Inter-Library loan. The library will then try to borrow the item from another library in the U.S.

Both of these options may require that you wait several weeks for your item to come in.

12. Does the library accept donations / memorials of items / money?

Yes, the library will accept donations and memorials. However, we will only place into our collection items that are in good physical condition and that are appropriate for our users. All other materials may be placed in the library book sale at the librarian’s discretion. If you want to donate a large quantity of materials, please arrange delivery with the library ahead of time so they can prepare a space. Monetary donations are also welcome.

Donation / Memorial Forms are available from staff upon request.

13. Can I bring food / drink into the library?

No open food or drink may be brought into the library. Sealed beverage containers may be brought in, but must remain closed. You may not eat in the library.

14. Can I talk on my cell phone in the library?

Patrons are encouraged to leave the library if they are going to talk on their cell phones. Basically, if there is a chance your conversation may be a distraction to other patrons or staff, we ask that you step into the building lobby until your conversation is over.

15. Does the Library offer exam proctoring services?

At the moment, we do not have the staffing levels required to be able to proctor exams.

16. Can I volunteer at the Library?

The library does accept volunteers over the age of 14 at our discretion. Ask a staff member for a volunteer application to find out more details.

17. Does the Library have a Friends Group?

If you are interested in supporting the Library as a Friend, please talk to a library staff member for more information

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Municipal Court

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1. How much is my ticket?

Contact the court at 469-218-7700 or 469-218-7701. Citations can also be viewed online at www.redoaktx.org under citation payments.

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Planning & Zoning Commission

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1. What is the deadline for submittal for Planning and Zoning requests and documentation?

At least three weeks prior to the next planning and zoning meeting.

2. Do you have scheduled regular Planning and Zoning Meetings?

Yes, the first Monday of each month.

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Police

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1. How can I file a police report?

• Come into the Police Department at 547 North Methodist Red Oak, Texas 75154 and speak to an officer during normal business hours of 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.
• If it is before or after normal business hours, come in the first set of doors of the Red Oak Police Department and look to your right and pick up the telephone on the wall and let the dispatcher know you need a officer sent to the Police Department.
• Call the Police Department at (972) 617-7632 and ask to speak to an officer.

2. How do I get a copy of a police report?

• Police reports can be requested in person by filling out an Open Records Request at the Police Department during normal business hours 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.
• By emailing: Korgan a filled out Open Records Request.
• By faxing a filled out Open Records Request to: Red Oak Police Department Attn: Records Clerk at (972) 617-8239.
• By mailing filled out Open Records Request to: Red Oak Police Department 547 North Methodist Red Oak, Texas 75154 Attn: Records Clerk.

3. Are there any job openings?

Visit Applications and Forms for a list of job applications.

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Public Works

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1. How do I find out if city sewer is available at my residence?

Contact the Public Works Director at (469) 218-7723.

2. How do I get garbage collection at my residence?

Contact billing at (972) 617-3638 to set up the garbage account.

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Utility Billing

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1. When is my bill due?

Bills are due upon receipt and should be paid by 5:00 pm on the 15th of the month to avoid a 10% penalty. Payments not received by the 25th of the month are subject to a $40 delinquent fee and disconnection of service.

2. What are my payment options and where can I pay?

We accept cash, check, money orders, MasterCard and Visa Cards. You can mail your check or money order to The City of Red Oak Utility Billing at
PO Box 393
Red Oak, TX 75154

Payments are accepted at the Municipal Center's Utility Customer Service office located at 200 Lakeview Parkway. For your convenience, there is also a drive-through and night drop box on the East side of the building. Credit card payments made by phone or online will be subject to a $4.25 processing fee. If you have any further questions, please email the Utility Customer Service office or call them at (972) 617-3638. For more details see Payment Options.

3. My bill seems high. What can I do?

First, make sure you don't have any faucets that are dripping, inside or outside your home. Second, we recommend you do a dye test on your toilets. Put some food coloring in the tank of the toilet, don't flush it, go back in about 30 minutes or so. If any of the colored water from the tank is in the bowl of the toilet, your toilet is leaking. This is a major water waster because a lot of times people don't realize the toilet is leaking because the water isn't going in the floor. Third, if you have an irrigation system, check the settings. Customers have said that they have had more than one program on at the same time and didn't realize it until they checked their programs. If you still have a question regarding your bill, please call the Utility Customer Service office at (972) 617-3638.