Friday, Feb. 08, 2008
Cellphone Ordinance Begins March 25
P&Z’s Levenick and Dixon to Run for Council; Long Will Not
By Stephanie A. Miller
Staff Writer
The Flower Mound Town Council on Monday adopted an ordinance prohibiting the use of hand-held mobile telephones in active school zones.
Council member Jeff Tasker said he sees the ordinance as an opportunity to teach his children about the importance of obeying the law.
“Even though there may not be a police officer present, I could impress upon them the importance of obeying the rules, even when no one is watching,” Tasker said. “It would be a good opportunity for our children because it will be an ordinance they can see.”
It was brought before the council for consideration by council member Al Filidoro Jr., who worked for the telecommunications industry and has an interest in the subject.
According to the ordinance, “It shall be unlawful for a person to drive or operate a motor vehicle in a school zone, as designated pursuant to this article, on official school days, during the hours when school zones are in effect, and when school zone signs and signs prohibiting hand-held mobile telephone use are posted in place, while using a hand-held mobile telephone to engage in a call or to create, send or read messages.”
The ordinance will not apply to “the use of a mobile telephone for the sole purpose of communicating with any of the following regarding an emergency situation: an emergency response operator; a hospital; a physician’s office or health clinic; or a public safety department.”
The hand-held mobile ban shall also not apply to “any law enforcement, police officer, emergency services official, first aid, emergency medical technicians and personnel, or any fire safety official in the performance of duties arising out of an in the course of his or her employment as such” or “the use of a hands-free mobile telephone when being used in a hands-free manner.”
According to town documents, the ordinance does not ban usage within crosswalks outside of a school zone, even those that may be staffed with crossing guards. Four such locations have been identified in Flower Mound: Garden Ridge Road and Kirkpatrick Lane; Garden Ridge Road and Lopo Drive; FM 2499 and Spinks Road; and FM 2499 and Aberdeen Drive.
The ordinance would also not apply to the west bound lane of FM 407 from the 2700 to the 2900 block where Highland Village is located, according to documents.
Violators could be subjected to a $75 customary fine with $200 maximum for repeated or aggravated violations. Signs will be ordered with installation to be completed prior to return from Spring Break.
Police authorities said the ordinance will become effective March 25, during which time there will be a grace period for 10 school days where violators will be given warnings. Citations will be given starting April 8, police officials said.
In other council related news, Councilmember Laurie Long publicly announced she will not run for re-election. Long, who has served on the Flower Mound Town Council for four years, said she wanted more time to devote to family.
During a public participation segment of the meeting, Flower Mound Planning & Zoning Commissioner Jean Levenick announced she plans to run for a Town Council seat; fellow Planning & Zoning Commissioner Steve Dixon also recently announced at a Flower Mound Rotary luncheon that he will run for a Town Council seat.
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