From bond elections and protecting Plano's trees to holiday lights and the much-awaited Dickens in Historic Downtown Plano, here are a few things every Plano resident should know about this week:

Plano City Council regular meeting

The Plano City Council meets at 7 p.m. Monday at Plano Municipal Center, 1520 K Ave. Items on the agenda up for discussion include a public hearing for the city's proposed bond election scheduled for May 6, 2017. The $257 million bond package includes funding for several library expansions and park improvements as well as for a new training center for Plano Fire-Rescue's first responders. The package also includes $3.5 million to renovate the Collinwood House. City Council unanimously agreed back in August to let voters decide the fate of the the 1860s-era home located off Windhaven Parkway that, for nearly two years, has garnered support from residents who want to see the home preserved. Two additional public hearings for the bond referendum are scheduled for Jan. 9 and Jan. 23. Click here for a list and descriptions of the proposed bond projects. The city of Plano is seeking feedback for its Urban Forest Master Plan.[/caption]

Urban Forest Master Plan public meeting

The city of Plano’s Parks and Recreation Department will hold the first of two community meetings this Thursday to get public input for the city's first Urban Forest Master Plan. The meeting will take place from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Meuhlenbeck Recreation Center, 5801 W. Parker Road. Plano began developing the program in the early 1990s when it began planting new trees. Now that these trees, as well as the program itself, have matured, the department said the time is right to create a master plan for one of Plano’s most valuable natural resources. The second community meeting will be held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at Pecan Hollow Golf Course, 4901 E. 14th St.

Children’s Health annual tree lighting

Children’s Medical Center Plano will hold its annual holiday tree lighting Thursday for its patients, employees and their families. Special guests include carolers by Trinity Presbyterian Church, Santa’s elves, the Plano Fire Department, the hospital’s Funnyatrics clowns, and Santa Claus, of course. The event will also feature children’s crafts and activities as well as cookies and hot cocoa thanks to the Women’s Auxiliary. Following the tree lighting, Santa will visit patients in the hospital with a special gift for each of them. The fire department will also do their part by handing out badges and fire hats.

Deerfield Lights Display

The Deerfield neighborhood, located between Preston and Coit roads, has its holiday lights on display from 7-11 p.m. now through December. A tree lighting ceremony will kick off the lights display this Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to donate to Children’s Medical Center’s Change for Children’s campaign and can purchase cocoa and treats from the Plano West golf team. A route map can be found here. www.deerfieldplano.org/page/616~250326/Holiday-Information Santa and Mrs. Claus join in for the tree lighting at Dickens in downtown Plano.[/caption]

Dickens in Historic Downtown Plano

Historic Downtown Plano comes alive with the holiday spirit this Friday for its free and family-friendly event, complete with ice sculpture wars, wagon rides and live performances by country music duo Bruce Robinson and Kelly Willis at McCall Plaza. Food vendors will also be on site offering an assortment of tasty treats, including hot drinks, beer and wine, kettle corn, smoked turkey legs, fried fish and shrimp, and funnel cakes. The celebration starts at 5 p.m. followed by the official Haggard Park Tree Lighting at 7 p.m. The festivities last until 9 p.m. Santa is set to arrive at 5:30 p.m.