Rowlett Roundup-Issue No. 7

Rowlett Recap 

💧How to Dispute a Large Water Bill in Rowlett, TX

If you’ve received an unusually high water bill, follow these steps to address it:

• Review Your Bill: Check for discrepancies by comparing it to your historical usage using the AMI Portal or Citizen Self Service Portal.

• Inspect for Leaks: Conduct a thorough property inspection for leaks (responsibility of the homeowner).

• Contact Utility Billing:

  • 📞 Call: 972-412-6105

  • ✉️ Email: [email protected]
    Discuss concerns and past usage patterns.

• Request a Meter Test: If you suspect an error, submit a written request for a meter test.

• Leak Adjustment Policy:

  • Relief may be available for verified leaks.

  • Exclusions: Sprinkler systems, pools, and toilets are not covered.

  • Adjustments allowed once every 12 months.

• Consider Rate Increases: Keep in mind that recent rate changes may contribute to higher bills.

• Formal Dispute Process:

  • If unresolved, follow the City’s formal process, which may include an administrative review or hearing.

By taking these steps, you can address billing concerns effectively and ensure accurate charges for your water usage. 💦

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI): A Smarter Way to Manage Water 🚰

The City of Rowlett’s new Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) customer portal is now live, offering residents an easy way to access hourly water usage data. This innovative technology is a step forward in conserving water, improving sustainability, and minimizing costs. With AMI smart water meters, you can track your usage, save money, and help ensure a better water future.

What is AMI?
AMI uses communication technology to read water meters remotely without requiring physical access. The system relies on a fixed network of strategically placed base stations and upgraded radio antennas (MXUs) to transmit meter data securely and accurately.

Benefits for Customers

• Improved Accuracy: AMI provides precise, frequent readings for better billing transparency.

• Usage Alerts: Customers can set alerts to monitor consumption and avoid high bills.

• Convenience: No need for city staff to access meters directly, minimizing disruptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Interference? No, AMI operates under FCC regulations and will not interfere with other devices.

• Encrypted Data? Yes, all transmitted data is fully encrypted.

• Access Online? Yes, customers can view daily readings through the portal.

To learn more or access your usage data, visit the AMI Customer Portal or download the AMI Customer Manual. Together, let’s make every drop count! 💧

😎 WHAT’S HAPPENING

Library Advisory Board Meeting 📚

📅 Date: Thursday, January 9, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Location: Rowlett Public Library, 3900 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088

Join the Library Advisory Board to discuss important topics and updates about the Rowlett Public Library. This meeting is open to the public, and it’s a great opportunity to learn more about the library’s programs and initiatives.

📥 Download the Agenda for more details.

Stay engaged and help shape the future of our library! 💡

Make a Connection Networking Event 🤝

📅 Date: Thursday, January 9, 2025
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
📍 Location: We meet in Splits Grill (located inside Bowl-a-Rama).

Start your morning with networking and coffee at the Make a Connection event hosted by the Rowlett Area Chamber & Visitors Center! This is a great opportunity to connect with local professionals, exchange ideas, and build relationships within the community.
💲 Cost: $1 for members, $5 for non-members.

💡 Who should attend?

• Business owners

• Entrepreneurs

• Professionals looking to expand their network
  Don’t forget to bring your business cards and enthusiasm. Let’s make those connections count!

  For more details, visit the Rowlett Chamber website.

🌲 Wreath Retirement Day

📅 Date: Saturday, January 11, 2025
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM

Join us to honor our veterans by retiring remembrance wreaths. It’s a light, family-friendly activity, so bring your loved ones along!

What to Bring:

• Work Gloves: Essential for handling wreaths.

• Broomsticks (without the broom): Perfect for gathering multiple wreaths.

• Garden Wagons: Great for transporting wreaths to the roadside.

• Trucks and Trailers: Extra vehicles are always appreciated!

Procedure:

• Begin in any section, ideally where you laid wreaths.

• Gather wreaths with broomsticks and stack them near the road.

• Trucks will transport wreaths to the designated disposal area.

• Observe ONE-WAY traffic throughout the cemetery for safety.

Rowlett Youth Advisory Council Meeting 👥

📅 Date: Monday, January 13, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Rowlett Community Centre, 5300 Main Street, Rowlett, TX

Join the Rowlett Youth Advisory Council for their next meeting! This is a great opportunity for young leaders to get involved, share ideas, and contribute to the community. Whether you’re a member or simply interested in what they’re doing, all are welcome to attend and learn more about their initiatives.

Let’s support the youth shaping the future of Rowlett! 🌟

Arts & Humanities Commission Meeting 🎨

📅 Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Location: Rowlett Public Library, 3900 Main Street, Rowlett, TX

Join the Arts & Humanities Commission as they discuss upcoming programs, projects, and initiatives to enrich Rowlett's cultural scene. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about how the arts and humanities impact our community and to get involved in shaping Rowlett's creative future.

All are welcome—let’s support the arts in Rowlett! 🌟🎭

Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting 🏗️

📅 Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2025
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Location: City Hall, 4000 Main Street, Rowlett, TX

Attend the Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting to stay informed about important decisions shaping the growth and development of Rowlett. This is a great opportunity to learn about zoning changes, upcoming projects, and other city planning updates.

Get involved and see how Rowlett continues to grow and evolve! 🌆

Rowlett Housing Finance Corporation BOD Meeting 🏠

📅 Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2025
⏰ Time: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
📍 Location: Community Development, 5702 Rowlett Road, Rowlett, TX

Join the Rowlett Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors for their upcoming meeting. This is an opportunity to stay informed about housing initiatives, policies, and programs aimed at supporting the Rowlett community.

Learn more about how the Board is working to address housing needs and build a stronger Rowlett! 🏡✨

Storytime at the Rowlett Public Library 📚

📅 Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
📍 Location: Rowlett Public Library, 3900 Main Street, Rowlett, TX
📞 Contact: (972) 412-6161 | ✉️ Email: [email protected]
💲 Cost: Free
🌐 Details: Rowlett.com/Storytime

Bring your toddlers and preschoolers (ages 0-4) for an engaging 30-minute Storytime session featuring fun rhymes, interactive activities, and delightful stories!

Theme for January 15 & 16: Snug as a Bug (Comfy & Cozy) 🐞🛏️

🎟️ Tickets are required due to limited space. Pick them up at the reference desk on the day of the program.

Visit Rowlett.com/Storytime for more themed dates, book suggestions, and additional details. Don’t miss this cozy and fun-filled activity for little ones! ✨📖

FIRST® LEGO® League: SUBMERGED Challenge 🤖

📅 Date: Thursday, January 16, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Rowlett Public Library, 3900 Main Street, Rowlett, TX
📞 Contact: (972) 412-6161 | ✉️ Email: [email protected]
💲 Cost: Free
🌐 Details: Rowlett.com/library

Calling all young innovators! In the SUBMERGED Challenge, teams of kids aged 9 to 13 will dive into research, problem-solving, coding, and engineering. Participants will build and program a LEGO® Education SPIKE Prime robot to navigate missions in a thrilling robot game.

This hands-on STEM activity is a fantastic opportunity for kids to explore creativity, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving.

Don’t miss out on this engaging and educational event—future engineers and coders are made here! ✨🔧

🌟 Additional Opportunities

📦 Restock the Local Food Bank!
This holiday season has been tough for many North Texans. Please bring non-perishable food items to donate. A collection truck will be stationed at the main entrance on January 11th.

🎁 Double Your Impact with Wreath Sponsorships!
Now through January 17th, Wreaths Across America will match every wreath sponsorship with an additional wreath. Start preparing for 2025 with this amazing opportunity!

Health Check

📅 Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2025
⏰ Time: 8:30 AM
📍 Location: Rowlett Community Center

Stay on top of your health with this quick check-in! Details are pending—please call (972) 412-6170 for more information.

BUNCO

📅 Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2025
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM
📍 Location: Rowlett Community Center

Roll the dice and join the fun! BUNCO is a great way to enjoy a little friendly competition. For more details, please contact the RCC at (972) 412-6170.

Lunch at Chili’s

📅 Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2025
⏰ Time: 11:15 AM
📍 Meet at: Rowlett Community Center

Enjoy a delicious lunch and good company at Chili’s. Transportation and additional details are currently unavailable—please call (972) 412-6170 for more information.

Bowling Bunch

📅 Date: Thursday, January 16, 2025
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
📍 Location: Rowlett Community Center

Join the Bowling Bunch for an hour of strikes, spares, and laughs! For more details, reach out to the RCC at (972) 412-6170.

Have a great idea for our next issue? Whether it’s spotlighting a favorite local spot, highlighting a community hero, or covering a topic you care about, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Email us at: [email protected]
📲 Connect with us on: Rowlett Roundup Facebook page

Your input makes a difference and helps us keep Rowlett informed and connected. Share your suggestions today and let’s make this week’s issue even better! 💡✨