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1. What is Blackboard Connect?

Blackboard Connect is a mass communication and emergency weather notification system.

2. How will the City use Blackboard Connect?

In addition to using the system to send emergency weather notifications to Oak Point residents, the City uses the service to send its citizens important messages regarding time-sensitive or common-interest issues such as street closures, water or electrical outages, and special events. The Blackboard Connect service keeps residents better informed by supplementing existing communication channels such as information bulletins and newsletters. When you register, you can choose to have messages sent to you by phone, text message, and/or email.

3. How will I be notified of emergency weather warnings and common-interest issues?

Phone notifications will be sent for tornado warnings. Notifications of warnings for flash floods, severe thunderstorms, high winds, and winter storms will be sent by text and email. Notifications of street closures, water or electrical outages, and special events, or other or common-interest issues will generally sent by text and email.

4. Am I already registered with Blackboard Connect?

If your home phone is a published number, your home phone number should already be in our system. If you have an unpublished number or do not have a "land line" in your home, you can register your contact information. You may also add additional contact information (such as your cell phone number, email address, and home address). Adding additional contact information is recommended because it increases the City's chances of contacting you in the case of a weather emergency. Your home address must be listed if you want to receive notifications that may only be applicable to a small area of the City such as a temporary road closure.

5. May I include a cell phone number in my notification database listing?

Yes, cell phones can be listed as secondary phone numbers in the database. If you have a cell phone, it is highly recommended that you list your cell phone number so you will be included in notifications for tornado warnings when you are away from your home phone.

6. Will there be a way to positively identify incoming calls that are made by the City using the system?

The caller-ID number for calls generated by the Blackboard Connect service will be 972-294-2312. With the exception of emergency weather calls, every message will generally begin with the same standard announcement: “Hello, this is 'blank' calling with an important message from the City of Oak Point.” The message content will follow this standard introduction.

7. How does the Blackboard Connect system respond to busy signals or no-answer situations?

For busy signals, the call will be repeated several times in an attempt to reach you. The same is true for no-answer and call-waiting. If a message recorder answers the phone, the message will be left on the answering device. If, after several attempts the call does not successfully go through, the system will stop attempting to call.

8. Can I “opt out” of Blackboard Connect calls?

Call recipients can opt-out. However, the Blackboard Connect service is used to send information that is time-sensitive and relevant to the public interest. If you choose to opt-out, it will eliminate your ability to receive information and emergency weather warnings via the Blackboard Connect service. Persons wishing to opt-out should send a request to opt-out by email, and your contact information will be deleted from the system.

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1. Is there a way to get a copy of a City Ordinance other than through a public information request?

Yes, view the ordinances through our website.

If you are unable to locate an ordinance please email the City Secretary for assistance.

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1. I am interested in advertising my business in the quarterly newsletter. How do I get space for an ad?

The Country Place Bulletin (CPB) has advertising space for sale for $200 a year. The space is the size of a business card. If you would like to advertise your business please email Joni Vaughn, City Secretary, or call at 972-294-2312 ext. 1. The CPB newsletter comes out quarterly.

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1. How do I request information that is open to the public?

To request information you must fill out or submit in writing your request for public information to the City Secretary. View a copy of the Public Information Request Form (PDF), or get one from the lobby of City Hall. The Office of the City Secretary complies with the Public Information Act, as codified in the Texas Government Code at Chapter 552.001.

2. How long does it take to obtain a copy of documents requested?

While the City of Oak Point makes every attempt to make most government information available to the public, some exceptions exist. If an exception might apply and the governmental body wishes to withhold information, the governmental body must see an Attorney General ruling.

Most requests are filled within 10 days excluding weekends and holidays.

3. What is the cost for obtaining records?

The costs may vary depending on the request. Most accident reports are $6 and other requests are based on the number of pages and any staff time for research and copying. A lot of times the information can be scanned and emailed at no cost unless extensive research is required. The costs are based off of the Attorney General for the State of Texas. View the Texas Attorney General's website.

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1. What special events does the City of Oak Point hold throughout the year?

The City of Oak Point holds several events throughout the year to bring the community together and also to help with clean-up efforts.

The following events are held annually:

• City-Wide Clean-up - Held in April after the garage sales, includes trash dumpsters and on-site shredding for Oak Point residents
• City-Wide Garage Sale - Held in April, garage sales are registered with the City and are advertised in the local papers. All garage sales are held at individual residences throughout the City and maps are provided
• FreedomFest - Held the last weekend in June or First Weekend in July, includes our annual Red, White and Blue Parade
• SpringFest - Held close to Easter, includes an Easter Egg Hunt
• WinterFest - Held in the last week of November, includes the annual tree lighting

2. How do I volunteer for any of the special events?

Volunteers are always welcome for our Special Events. If you wish to sign up to be a volunteer please email Joni Vaughn, City Secretary, or call at 972-294-2312 ext. 100.

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1. Do you have any contact information for my Home Owners Association?

Links to websites and/or contact information for homeowners associations in Oak Point can be found in our Resource Directory.

2. I am going on vacation. Can the Police check on my home periodically?

Upon request, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) will place your home on their close patrol list and periodically conduct drive-by patrols of your home while you are on vacation. For more information, please contact the DPS at 972-294-0000.

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1. My ticket says to appear on or before a certain date. Does this mean I can see the Judge before the date?

No, the "on or before" option is if you wish to take care of your ticket by paying or making arrangements to handle your ticket. If you are required or request to see the Judge, it must be done on the court date listed at 10 a.m.

2. I missed my court date. What are my options?

You may pay your fine, or you will be issued a new court date for violation of promise to appear, which is an additional fine amount.

3. I do not have the money to pay my ticket. Can I set up payment arrangements with the Court?

Yes, under certain circumstances the Court will allow time to pay the fine. A payment of at least $50 must be paid to start a payment arrangement, and regular payments must be made each month. An additional payment plan fee of $25 will be assessed on the 31st day depending on the judgment; this fee cannot be waived.

4. Can I make payment arrangements for the Driver Safety Course fees?

No, all fees that are due for the Driver Safety Course must be paid on or before your court date. No exceptions will be made.

5. I am not able to make my court date, but would like to see the Judge. Is there a way to reschedule?

You may reset your court date one time by calling 72 hours in advance or requesting a reset in writing. If you are not able to contact the Court within 72 hours, and it is an emergency, the Court will reset the date with documentation presented to the judge to avoid any further fees.

6. I never took care of my ticket, and now I am receiving letters from the Warrant Division. What do I need to do?

If you are receiving a letter from our Warrant Division, your ticket has gone to collections. All fees must be paid to the collection agency, and any payment arrangements must be made through them. You may contact the collection agency, American Municipal Services, at 888-420-9700.

7. I received a letter from the Texas Department of Public Safety about my driver’s license. What is this letter?

This letter was received because you failed to take care of your ticket or pay your fine amounts. The Texas Department of Public Safety has placed a hold on your driver’s license, and you are not eligible to renew your license until all fees are paid in full to the Court or collection agency. A $30 per violation fee is added and cannot be removed.

8. What time is the Court open to take care of tickets?

The Court is open during the following hours:
Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to Noon
1 to 5 p.m
(Closed on Holidays)

The Court is located at:
Oak Point City Hall
100 Naylor Road
Oak Point, TX 75068

9. I hold a Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License. Can I request defensive driving or deferred disposition?

No, any person holding a commercial driver’s license is not eligible for defensive driving or deferred, whether they were operating a commercial motor vehicle or not.

10. What is the difference between “Guilty” and “No Contest”?

If a defendant pleads “no contest” to the charges, the verdict cannot be used against the person if a civil suit is filed later. It is not an admission of guilt.

11. I have a ticket for a City Ordinance Violation. Can I take a Driver Safety Course?

No, City Ordinance Violations are compliance tickets and must be paid, or the violation must be brought into compliance to avoid further actions.