Conclusion

I think that since most people rely on technology for information, the resources they use must be maintained and up to date. Several of the sites I was looking to use for information were very much out of date or completely down at the time of research. Other sites, like the plainviewtx.org site, had an extensive amount of information that was up to date. It was incredibly useful for finding information I was searching for. All of the city’s government boards are listed, parks and recreational services are listed, common services, business information, codes and regulations, visitor information are all listed in an organized manner, often with an extensive list of contact people/phone numbers. This city is a well-organized and connected community that is eager to reach out to others and invite them in.

Organization of information is also a key part of this. Some sites, like a site I utilized to look up demographic information and the like, were completely unorganized and almost a waste of time to try to pick through all the data that was randomly scattered throughout the entire page. Other sites like the Plainview Chamber of Commerce site, were excellently organized and user friendly. There were several tabs that one could search through for information, labeled according to resident, visitor, etc. Upon each tab were things that would be relevant to that person. Listings were all alphabetically and divisible by category. It was incredibly efficient to use sites like these. If I were searching for a place to live or to start a business and the site was unorganized and difficult to navigate, I would be dissuaded to pursue my goals there. However, Plainview reflects its welcoming nature and community bonds in its well organized and user friendly web pages. Also, all of the pages I visited seemed to have an extensive listing of people who were willing to answer questions. Each had several phone numbers and emails. Some of the businesses even had the owner’s cell and home phone numbers listed. That is how dedicated they are to their community and being a welcoming center for business.

Plainview is definitely headed in the right direction as a growing, thriving community. The only negative thing I found in my assessment of their sites is that some of them were not functional. I was very interested in the information these would hold and very disappointed that they were not usable.

Services

Services are an integral part of a community.  Plainview offers a variety of common services, all of which can be found listed on the PlainviewTX.org site.


These services include:


Animal Control  
Animal Control
where one may report a stray animal or call to try to locate a lost pet.
The animal shelter is located at 500 SW 3rd St.
Phone: 806.296.1158
After Hours Phone Number: 806.296.1182
The shelter hours are Monday - Friday from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
The local Human Society's information is also posted here.  Their hours are Monday - Friday from m4:00 pm - 5:30 pm or by appointment.  Phone : 806.296.2311


Building Permits & Inspections, Information
Building permits & Inspections
On this page there is a short list of types of work that require building permits.
Also, there is a link to list the building permit applications and fees.
A list of resources is provided as well for additional information.
Contact information is listed on the right side of this page, along with office hours.
This site makes it very easy to learn about what kind of permit may be needed for someone who is about to do new construction or renovations.  


CodeRED
CodeRED
Code Red is an emergency alert system that utilizes phone contact information to deliver alert messages quickly and efficiently to a large number of people at one time.  Currently it can allow city officials to deliver a pre-recorded emergency message at a rate of up to 60,000 calls per hour.  This site has a direct link for someone to sign up for this communications emergency alert system.

Fire/ EMS Department
Fire & EMS
The Plainview Fire Department was organized in 1909.  The department took over the EMS services in 1985.  This site lists the services provided by the Fire/EMS department.  Among the typical fire suppression, prevention and emergency medical services, this department also handles testing and maintenance of fire hydrants, arson investigations, business inspections, pre-fire plans and safety surveys, fire and ems coverage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, fire prevention and education programs, technical vertical rescue team services and tours and public appearances.  As with the other services, an extensive contact listing is available on this site.

Health Department

Health Dept.

The mission of the Plainview-Hale County Health Department is keeping the citizens of Plainview and Hale County Healthy.  This department is in charge of providing vaccine clinics and environmental health inspections.  As with the other services listed, an extensive contact list is available on this site.

Unger Memorial Library
Plainview TX Unger Library
Unger Memorial Library
The Unger Memorial Library (also listed on the Education tab of this blog) is the information hub for Plainview and surrounding Hale County.  In it's collection it holds books, magazines, audio books on CD, and DVDs for circulation and reference as well as a number of public-access computers with internet provided and the Microsoft Office package for use.  There are also shared black and white and color laserjet printers for the public to use.  The following link is a quicklink to some Frequently Asked Questions about the Unger Memorial Library : Library FAQ.  The questions can be clicked on and expanded.
The Unger Library Board is in charge of making general recommendations concerning policies, procedures and development of this library.  It also makes recommendations in the operation of the library including current and long range planning, freedom of speech and censorship issues, improvement and development projects, library material management, marketing and public relations policies, operating policies, requests for special programs, specific issues related to the library policies.  Please see Library Board for the current agenda and board members.

Meeting Facilities

Plainview Civic Center

The primary meeting facility is the Plainview Civic Center.  City Council Meetings are some of the events that occur here.  It is located at 2902 W. Fourth St.  It features a banquet room that seats up to 500 people, and three meeting rooms that seat 25 people.

Municipal Court

Municipal Court
Plainview Municipal court is a non-court of record and is the judicial branch of the local city government.
The Plainview Municipal Court is committed in providing all its citizens a fair, independent, and impartial forum for handling fine-only cases that occur within the city's limits.  On this page, there is a list of resource links for basic questions.  There is also an extensive contact list, as can be seen on all links to this page. 

Online Bill Pay

Online Utilities Billpay - Login

Plainview offers the opportunity to use online utility bill pay.  One must create a login with an email and password through member registration to use this service.

Police Department

http://www.plainviewpolice.com/

http://plainviewtx.org/index.aspx?NID=171

This department is authorized for 34 full time sworn officers and eight civilian personnel.  Through these servicemen, plus part-time school crossing guards and volunteers, this department provides traditional police services with the concept of community-oriented policing to serve the residents of Plainview.  Their mission is to serve and protect by providing the citizens of Plainview with the best possible police service in a professional manner.  On the official PlainviewPolice.com site, one can find a variety of information, including contact information, current alerts, firearm information, reports, fees, quick links, and constantly updating road conditions.

Public Utilities

Utilities Contact

This site lists the utility service providers of Plainview with appropriate contact information for people who live in Plainview to use.

Atmos Energy is the natural gas provider for the area.  

888.363.7427

http://www.atmosenergy.com/

The City of Plainview Water Services provides water services.

806.296.1134

http://plainviewtx.org/index.aspx?nid=99

Southwestern Bell is the telephone service provider.

800.464.7928

Suddenlink is the local internet provider and cable television provider

806.293.2551

http://www.suddenlink.com/

Xcel Energy is the electricity provider.

800.895.4999

http://www.xcelenergy.com/

Street and Traffic Safety
Plainview Street & Traffic Safety
The Street and Traffic Department is in charge of maintaining the 120.6 miles of streets in the City of Plainview.  Department responsibilities include mosquito control, street maintenance, street services and traffic services.

Parks & Recreation

Plainview appears to be a very community oriented city.  This is definitely represented in the vast number of parks and recreational facilities that are scattered throughout the city.  These parks are places people can meet and gather and bond as a community.  Within the City of Plainview, there are 16 developed parks that include 286 acres of developed land and 325 acres of undeveloped land.
The large variety of recreational amenities of Plainview include


Baseball fields (6)
Basketball Courts (2)
Centennial Circle of Honor
Community Buildings (2)
Community Square
Disc Golf Course
Golf Driving Range - 300 Yards
Hike & Bike Trail
Multi-purpose courts for tennis, basketball, and volleyball (3)
Multi-use half-mile walking tracks (3)
Open-sided pavilions (4)
Playgrounds (9)
Public Restrooms (6)
Soccer Fields (2)
Softball Fields (3)
Tree Nursery
Water Fall




Plainview Parks listed alphabetically
Astro-          Features 1 acre of open space.  (South Colombia)


Broadway Park-          Features 60 acres of open space, a baseball/softball field, basketball half-court, community building, electrical panels, lighted sports field, multi-use courts, picnic area, playground, practice sports field, restrooms, & soccer field.  (100 S. Broadway)


Chamber of Commerce Park-         Features 4 acres of open space, picnic area, & playground.  (711 W. Sixth St)


Edgar & Essie Givens Park-          Features 50 acres of open space, a baseball/softball field, a lighted sports field, multi-use courts, an open pavilion, a picnic area, playground, practice sports field, restrooms, soccer field and walking track (which is 2,420 feet (including the parking area) which is 220 feet short of 1/2 mile).  (Campbell & Walter Griffin)


Eleventh & Columbia Park-          Features 1/2 an acre of open space. (11th & Columbia)


Frisco Park -       Features 2 acres of open space, a basketball half-court, a picnic area, and a playground.  (Calle Fr. Daly & Martinez)


Hike & Bike Trail-         Features 1.62 miles of trail.  (Date Street to Quincy Street) ADA: Yes


John D. Stoneham Park-          Features 10 acres of open space, baseball/softball field, electrical panels, lighted sports field, multi-use courts, picnic area, playground, practice sports field, restrooms, and walking track.  The walking track is 2,002 feet.  2.5 times around this track equals one mile.  (32nd & Lexington)


Joliet East-         Features 55 acres of open space.  (Joliet & Columbia)


Joliet West-          Features 49 acres of open space  (Quincu & Joliet)


Lakeside School Park-     Features 3 acres of open space, a baseball/softball field, junior soccer field, playground and practice sport field.  (1801 Joliet)


Lakeside Trails-          Features 2 miles, 2.8 acres in 35 acre land blocks.  (1800 Lexington)


Little Lakeside Park-         Features 1/2 of an acre of open space.  (Thunderbird).


Little Thomas Park-         Features 1/2 an acre of open space.  (101 Aileen)


Lloyd C. Woods Park-         Features 15 acres of open space, a baseball/softball field, picnic area, playground, practice sports field, and restrooms.  (Fifth & Joliet)


M.B. Hood Park-          Features 10 acres of open space, a baseball/softball field, electrical panels, multi-use courts, picnic area, playground, practice sport field, restrooms, swimming pool and walking track.  The walking track is 2,360 feet, which is 280 feet short of 1/2 mile.  (16th & Ennis)


Millennium Park-     Features 1/2 of an acre of open space.  (800 Broadway St)


Regional Park South-         Features 44 acres of open space.  (3200 Kirchwood)


Regional Runningwater Draw Park-        Features 80 acres of open space, a baseball/softball field, community building, disc golf course, electrical panels, gazebo, lighted sports field, multi-use courts, open pavilion, picnic area, playground, practice sports field, restrooms, soccer field and walking track.


Running Water Draw East Equestrian Trail-         Features 4 miles, 5 acres in 80-acre land block.  (Kirchwood Drive West to Westridge)


Splat-        Features 5 acres of open space and a model airplane park (34th & Joliet)


Thomas Boulevard Park-        Features 2 acres of open space, picnic area, and playground.  (312 Irene)


Thunderbird Park-         Features 1/2 acre of open space.  (101 Thunderbird)


Travis Trussel Park-        Features 3 acres of open space.  (10th & Ennis)


Utica Street Park-       Features 1 acre of open space, a baseball/softball field, basketball half-court, electrical panels, multi-use courts, picnic area, and playground.  (12th & Utica)




The Plainview Parks Department
The primary responsibilities of the parks department is to maintain the 286 acres in 16 developed parks and 325 acres in undeveloped land, apply pesticides on turf and building properties, assist other departments with various tasks, landscape the four city buildings, maintain city rights-of-way and vacant properties, maintain seven city buildings.  This department employees 11 people full time (including 2 summer seasonal employees, one full-time vector weed mowing employee, and 2 full-time custodian employees.)


The Parks Advisory Commission
Park Advisory Commison
Meetings occur at 4:30 pm quarterly on the second Thursday of each month at the City Council Chambers (901 Broadway St).  The most recent Agenda can be seen on this site along with a list of (8) current members.    Board responsibilities include making recommendations to the City Council in regards to the open space planning, parks, and recreation planning and/or purchase or trade of such space.  


Facilities List General park and recreational facilities can be found at this link.
Locations and features Basic list of parks with features and locations.

Government

No city can successfully thrive without active  boards, committees and commissions that are created to take responsibility for the decisions for the community as a whole.  Below are the many boards that are part of Plainview's community as it strives to better itself.  Also, for those of you that reside in Plainview or the area surrounding it, meeting times and links to current agendas and board members have been listed.  




Boards, Committees & Commissions


Current City Boards, Committees & Commissions


Building Trades and Fire Code Board of Appeals

• Responsibilities: The board consists of 7 board members and 4 alternates.  The membership includes a building contractor, a licensed master electrician, a representative from the local electrical service provider, a licensed master plumber, a representative from the local gas service provider, and two individuals with a working knowledge or the representative trades. They make recommendations for the adoption, improvement, enforcement, and administration of the National Electric Code (NEC), the Uniform Building Code (UBC), the Uniform Fire Code (UFC), the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), the Uniform Sign Code (USC), and the National Life Safety Code (NLSC).  They also recommend local amendments and standards as well as permit and licensing standards. 
• Meeting Time:  7:00 pm, 3rd Thursday of the month, as needed City Council Chambers, City Hall 901 Broadway St.  
• Please see http://plainviewtx.org/index.aspx?NID=75 for the most recent agenda and listing of  the current board members.

Civil Service Board

• There is currently no avaiable information for the Civil Service Board.

Coordinating Board of Economic Development (Plainview First)

•  Responsibilities:  The board consists of 8 members appointed by the City Council  and mayor.  It also consists of economic development partners (including Wayland Baptist University, South Plains College, Covenant Hospital Plainview, Plainview /Hale County Industrial Foundation, Hale County, Plainview Chamber of Commerce, Plainview Independent School District, Ports to Plains & the City of Plainview.)This creates a unique collaboration that works to bring industry, retail, and tourism to Plainview.
• Meeting Time: Quarterly on the first Monday of the Month at the I-Hop (701 N. 1-27)
•  Please see http://plainviewtx.org/index.aspx?NID=307 for the most recent agenda and listing of the current board members.

Main St Program/Tourism Coordinating Board

• Meeting Time: Noon on the First Thursday of each month at City Hall in the Downstairs Conference Room (901 Broadway St)
• Please see http://plainviewtx.org/index.aspx?NID=325 for the most recent agenda and listing of the current board members.

Minimum Housing Standards Board

• Responsibilities:  This board consists of 7 members who are residents of Plainview and are appointed by the City Council.  It meets as needed.  This board provides a final determination and hears appeals of the decision of the building official on  buildings or structures which,  from any cause, endanger the life, limb, health, morals, property, safety, or welfare of the general public.  
• Meeting time: 7:30 pm, first Thursday of the month at the City Council Chambers(901 Broadway) as needed.
• Please see http://plainviewtx.org/index.aspx?NID=77 for the most recent agenda and listing of the current board members.

Parks Advisory Commision

• Responsibilities:  The PAC holds 8 board members.  It makes recommendations to the City Council in regards to open space planning, parks, and recreation planning and/or purchase, disposal, or trade of such lands.  It also makes  recommendations involving the coordination of the parks and recreation master plan (or future plans) within the City of Plainview Parks Department,recommendations on any matter pertaining to open space, parks, recreation,  or land planning problems, and recommendations on priorities for spending funds. 
• Meeting Time: 4:30 quarterly on the second Tuesday of each month at the City Council Chambers (901 Broadway St)
• Please see http://plainviewtx.org/index.aspx?NID=78 for the most recent agenda and listing of the current board members.

Plainview/Hale County Airport Board

• Responsibilities: The Airport Board is composed is made up of members representing the City of Plainview and Hale County.  This board is in charge of overseeing the operations of the Plainview/Hale County Airport and its assets.
• Meeting Time: 7:00 pm on the third Thursday of each month as needed at the Hale County Courthouse (500 Broadway St. Suite 100)
• Please see http://plainviewtx.org/index.aspx?NID=97 for the most recent agenda and listing of the current board members.

Plainview/Hale County Board of Health

•  Responsibilities:  This board consists of 8 members, of which four are appointed by the city and four by the county.  A physician is appointed by the department director to serve as health authority and to advise on state and local laws relating to public health.  It acts as an advisory board to the governing bodies of the participating entities and makes recommendations from time to time through its meetings on matters pertaining to public health.  
• Meeting Time: 12:00 noon quarterly on the second Wednesday of the month at the Unger Library (825 N. Austin St.)
• Please see http://plainviewtx.org/index.aspx?NID=79 for the most recent agenda and listing of the current board members.

The Planning and Zoning Commission

• Responsibilities: This commision consists of 7 voting members and 4 alternates. The board is responsible for the city's zoning ordinance, planning for the future, and advising the City Council on matters concerning the orderly growth of the city.  It establishes the overall planning policy in the city and incorporates it into the  comprehensive plan.  It reviews special studies and makes recommendations on issues.
• Meeting Time: 7:00 pm on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at the City Council Chambers  (901 Broadway St).
• Please see http://plainviewtx.org/index.aspx?NID=80 for the most recent agenda and listing of the current board members.

Runningwater Draw RSVP

• Responsibilities: This is a federally legislated grant program in Plainview in 1983. It provides volunteer opportunities for persons 55 years of age or older who reside in Floyd, Hale and Lamb counties.  There is no cost to join and supplemental insurance is provided while volunteering.  It is supported by the City Plainview and housed by Wayland Baptist University.
• Meeting Time:  11:45 on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Hale County Senior Citizens Center (1107 Smythe St)
• Please see http://plainviewtx.org/index.aspx?NID=288 for the most recent agenda and listing of the current board members.

Unger Library Board

• Responsibilities:   The ULB makes general recommendations concerning the policies, procedures, and developments of the public library.  It also makes recommendations for current and long range planning issues, freedom of speech and censorship issues, improvement and development projects, library materials management, allocation and associated user charges, marketing and public relations policies and procedures, operating policies and procedures, requests for special library programs, other problems related to procedures and operations.
•  Meeting Time:  4:00 pm on the 2nd Tuesday of the months of February,  May, and October at the Unger Library Meeting Room (825 Austin St)
• Please see http://plainviewtx.org/index.aspx?NID=81 for the most recent agenda and listing of the current board members.

Zoning Board of Adjustment

• Responsibilities: This board consists of 5 members who are residents and 4 alternate members.  The ZBA is a quasi-judicial appeals board that appeals, decisions of the director as needed.  They consider requests for variances or deviations from specific zoning ordinance requirements, but does not have the authority to change the zoning of a property.
• Meeting Time:  7:30 pm on the 4th Monday of each month at the City Council Chambers (901 Broadway St.)
• Please see http://plainviewtx.org/index.aspx?NID=82 for the most recent agenda and listing of the current board members.

Housing & Real Estate

This page is useful to people searching for a home in Plainview, people trying to sell a home, people searching for a place to house a business, the purchasing and selling of land, and industrial buildings.  Also, below are some ways that Plainview is conserving and bettering their community through individuals and businesses.




Real Estate In Plainview


Billington Real Estate
http://www.billingtonrealestate.com/
Through this site, once can search for homes in Plainview through a price range that can be set from the home page.  One can also search by category : residential, commercial, or both.
Billington Real Estate has been the number one real estate agency in Plainview since 1977. This real estate group can be utilized to assist with searching for a home, buying or selling, or even renting.
806.293.2572 or 800/333.0758

Office Location

ERA Real Estate
http://www.erarwrealtors.com/
This company services the Texas Panhandle and Oklahoma area.  They will help with those looking to buy or sell.  They have a quick search option where one can search by city.  They also have an advanced search option that has variations of property type, bedroom quantity, bathroom quantity, minimum and maximum price ranges.

Morgan-Eaves Insurance/Real Estate
http://www.morganeavesrealestate.com/
This real estate agency assists with buying or selling of property.  They are members of the Plainview Association of Realtor's Multiple Listing Service.  They are a local business.  They service residential, commercial, farm, and industry properties.
Phone 806.296.5514

Street Real Estate

http://www.streetsrealestate.com/

This agency is located in the heart of Hale County.  They offer farm and ranch land, residential and commercial property.  They services those looking to buy or sell.  This site is categorized by type of property.  

806.293.9944

Chamber of Commerce Information
http://www.plainviewtexaschamber.com/living.html
One can also search the "Living Here" section of the Plainview Chamber of Commerce site for area residences including apartments.










Recycling
Plainview has a recycle cart service that is free.  It can go to all local businesses.  Recycle carts are picked up on Thursday.  Office paper, shredded paper, and newspaper are the only items accepted.
Recyclables may be dropped off at the Plainview Recycling Center which accepts a list of items that can be viewed here: Acceptable Recyclable List
There are also several Blue Box Recycling Sites that can be found throughout the city.
Blue Box Recycle Locations


Water Conservation
Suggestions:
Only water lawns between 6pm and 10am.  Prevent evaporation by not watering lawns on windy days.  Do not waste water by cleaning driveways, patios or sidewalks with it; please use a broom.  If you have an automatic system, please check the sprinkler heads to make sure they are working properly.  Install rain shutoff devices.  Use mulch around trees, shrubs, and flower beds to help retain moisture.
For more information, please see the Water Conservation Brochures here:
Water Conservation Brochures
Also available in Spanish.

Health Services

The health of a community is very crucial.  Plainview has a large amount of available health practitioners so that citizens may choose where they would like to go.  The board of health maintains the services and programs that are made available to the public to encourage good health and proactivity  against health hazards.






Services & Programs


Available Health Department Services


Adult Vaccines
Blood Pressure Checks
Board of Health Meetings
Cholesterol Screening
Environmental Health Services
Flu Shots
Glucose Screenings
Health Cards and PPD Testing
Pneumonia Vaccines
Pregnancy Testing
STD Testing


Current Programs


Car Seat Program - This program offers free car seats to women who are in their third trimester.  Training is also available twice a month.


Texas Vaccine for Children Program - This program allows for administering vaccines to children from the  ages of 2 months old up to 18 years old.  Immunizations cost $10.  


Contact Information:
Health Department Phone number 806.293.1359


Resources: 
Plainview Healthcare Business Directory
This link goes to the plainviewtx.org site.  It has a searchable alphabetical listing of all healthcare providers of various types that is easily accessible for anyone who is searching for these services.  Currently there are 59 listings on this page, allowing a variety of providers to meet the needs of the patient.


Plainview/Hale County Board of Health
Meeting Times: 12 noon quarterly on the 2nd Wednesday of the Month at the Unger Library (825 N. Austin St.).  Please visit Plainview/Hale County Board of Health for the most recent agenda and a listing of the current board members.

Events

The PlainviewTX.org page maintains a calendar of events here:
Calendar of Events
The events are listed with a title, time, date, location and detailed description.  They can be sorted by a list, week or month.  One can also set up notifications to remind themselves of upcoming events.


Another Calendar of events may be found here:
Calendar of Events at the MyPlainview site.












Some other interesting events include:


The Fool's Cup
A large gathering that organizes around hot air balloons.  The balloons launch around 7:30 amW. While the balloons are preparing for launch, the Lions Club sells breakfast burritos.  Also, on that Saturday there is a golf tournament beginning at 9am.  There is also the Wayland Wellness Run which features a 1-mile walk and 10K runs, and also a half marathon.  For children under age eleven, there is an Easter Egg Hunt, which is sponsored by Plainview's First Assembly of God church.  This past year there were 20,000 eggs filled with goodies. Please see  2012 Fool's Cup Activities for this year's event.

Parades
Plainview also holds a number of parades, beginning in June with the Rodeo Parade, the Juneteenth Parade, and the Red, White and Moo Parade which is held on the 4th of July.  It is hosted by the Hale county dairy farmers and also includes a freedom parade, events, food, and fun!






Plainview's Cowboy Days
Held in September, these days contain an extensive list of events including a Chuck Wagon Breakfast, fireworks displays, a cattle drive and parade, classic car show, horse rides, pinatas, bar-none ranch rodeo, cowboy church and a rodeo dance to name a few.  Please see this site for the full list of events.  Cowboy Days.  Also on this site is a series of folders with photos from the event in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011.