HomeMy WebLinkAboutAnnual_Report 2006 to 2007PPLANSLANS FORFOR 20072007
PPARKARK DDEPEPARARTMENTTMENTIn 2007, the Park Department will again implement an aggressive park improvement program. The Department is completing a Master Plan designfor Coffee Park and developing construction drawings for both Barbara Hitzelberger Park (located at the intersection of Lovers and Hillcrest) andCity Hall/Goar Park landscape upgrades. The Department will also begin phase I of the city-wide secondary street entrance marker program. Othermajor projects will include the design and installation of the Northwest Parkway screening wall project and Sis Germany Park (located at Prestonand Greenbrier) landscape upgrades. Many exciting programming events include pool and park movies and the first annual Children's FishingDerby, to be held at Caruth Park in June 2007. The Park Department will also continue the expansion of the "Trees for Town" program to contin-ue the reforestation of our community.
FFINANCEINANCE DDEPEPARARTMENTTMENTThe Finance Department anticipates a successful year. Goals for 2007 include: orderly relocation to the Department's new office space in the CityHall addition; useful analysis of the Bush Presidential Library impact on the City; and enhancement of the City's investment portfolio management.
HHUMANUMAN RRESOURCESESOURCES DDEPEPARARTMENTTMENTAtop priority for the Human Resources Department in 2007 will be to market the 3-1-1 system aggressively with the help of the CommunityInformation Officer. As part of the marketing campaign, decals with the 3-1-1 logo will be placed on all non-public safety vehicles. The call vol-ume for the 3-1-1 system will be monitored closely to ensure there is adequate staffing, and the 3-1-1 database will be updated regularly.
PPOLICEOLICE DDEPEPARARTMENTTMENTGoals and objectives for 2007 reflect increased efforts to involve individual members of the business and residential communities in crime preven-tion and personal safety programs and activities. The Police Department intends to strengthen the partnership between the community and lawenforcement personnel to reduce crimes within University Park. Finally, the Department will increase traffic enforcement to reduce the potentialfor accident related injuries and deaths.
IINFORMANFORMATIONTION SSERERVICESVICESPlans for 2007 are primarily associated with the move to an alternate Public Safety dispatch location at the Peek Service Center and the remodel ofCity Hall. New or upgraded systems will be installed to support computer-aided dispatching, E911, police and fire radios, and direct alarm moni-toring. In addition, new security cameras and door access control device systems will be implemented, and multi-media equipment will be installedin six conference rooms and the Council Chamber.New network switches in support of a fiber optic backbone will also be installed, and the Citywill upgrade the Geographic Information System (GIS) software to enhance mapping support internally and through the Web site.
FFIREIRE DDEPEPARARTMENTTMENTThe Department has taken bids on the omni-directional warning sirens in 2006 and will install them in 2007. The installation will coincide withconstruction of the new dispatch centers during City Hall renovation. The Fire Department is near completion with its planning of the City'sCommunity Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. Training is scheduled to begin May 1, 2007, and last 10 weeks. Registration will beginin March. The Fire Department will also move into its new permanent location in the new addition of City Hall this summer, which will providemuch needed equipment, living, and training space.
PPUBLICUBLIC WWORKSORKSLooking ahead to 2007, the Engineering Division will be involved in numerous projects. Capital projects currently underway and scheduled forcompletion in 2007 include: underground utility work for the City Hall expansion; water and sanitary improvements at Hillcrest and NorthwestHighway; water and sanitary improvements in the 4200-4300 blocks of the Shenandoah/Stanhope alley; and water and sanitary sewer improve-ments for Turtle Creek Boulevard and Baltimore Drive. Other capital projects scheduled to begin in 2007 include: the Northwest Parkway screen-ing wall; reconstruction of University Park sidewalks around Highland Park Independent School District Campuses; asphalt repaving; curb andgutter replacements; water,sanitary sewer,and alley improvements (mile-per-year program).
One of the most high profile projects scheduled to begin in 2007 is the Germany Park Booster Pump Station. Built in the 1950's, the existing under-ground booster pump station, located south of Germany Park, is the sole source of water coming from the Dallas County Park Cities MunicipalUtility District. The existing booster pump station pumps nearly 6.5 million gallons per day into the city.In the summer of 2002, the booster pumpstation flooded, and the city lost all ability to pump water into the distribution system. To eliminate the possibility of flooding and to ensure relia-bility, the Engineering Division is currently working with an engineering firm to design an above ground facility located adjacent to the existingpump station.
The Engineering Division will also be working with traffic consultants on the 25 mph speed study and a traffic impact analysis for the area sur-rounding the proposed redevelopment of the Chase Bank. Also, Engineering will be working with consultants for storm water improvements atMcFarlin Boulevard and obtaining a regulatory permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for construction of a waterfeature along Turtle Creek in conjunction with the City Hall renovation project. VVISITISIT THETHE CCITYITY ONLINEONLINE AATT WWWWWW..UPTEXASUPTEXAS..ORGORG
PP UBLICUBLIC WWORKSORKSDDEPEPARARTMENTTMENT
PPUBLICUBLIC WORKSWORKS SSTTAATISTICSTISTICS
UNIVERSITYUNIVERSITYPPARKARKANNUALANNUALREPORREPORTT2006-20072006-2007
As Mayor, it is with great pride that I present the 2006-2007 Annual Report.
2006 was an especially busy and exciting year for the City. In January, the City Council reviewed a report on findingsfrom the October 2005 Citizen Survey. Throughout the year, Council and staff have used the feedback gathered from thesurvey to set priorities, and we recently used the findings during our Strategic Planning process.
Council and staff devoted significant time this year on survey-related issues such as traffic safety, community develop-ment items, park improvements, and strengthening our community outreach programs, including renovation of the City Web site.Regarding traffic safety, in November 2006, the City Council approved a 25 mph test study to determine whether motorists will, as aresult, drive more slowly in these posted areas. The results of this study will be presented in May 2007. Council also approved theinstallation of two red light cameras (at Preston/Lovers and Dickens/Lovers), and the Police Department stepped up traffic enforcementon Lovers Lane. Community development issues were also a focus this past year with the Snider Plaza Master Plan and Chase Bankdevelopment under review and consideration. Council also directed City staff to examine residential lot size and how larger lots influ-ence the look and feel of our neighborhoods.
Staff and some thoughtful and committed residents spent many hours working on the TXU Transmission Line Project. Last November,after nearly 11 months of work, the Resident TXU Transmission Line Steering Committee presented its final report to the City Councilregarding the reconstruction of the 138-kVline that runs through University Park from Boedeker to the Dallas Tollway. In line withthe panel's recommendations, the City appointed a ten member Public Utility Advisory Committee to act as the City's liaison with TXUElectric Delivery and all other utilities that operate in our community.The City parks also received substantial upgrades in 2006. Keyprojects in recent months included the installation of a basketball court in Burleson Park and the resurfacing of the Germany Park track.Finally, we are particularly excited about the December 2006 launch of the 3-1-1 Information Line. Callers who dial 3-1-1 will nowget immediate answers to questions regarding City-related services and local events.
One of the most anticipated projects in recent years, the City Hall Renovation Project is well under way.Groundbreaking for the proj-ect took place in July 2005, followed by the construction of a concrete box culvert next to City Hall over a portion of Turtle Creek.This was the first of three phases in this project. Phase two, the addition to City Hall will be completed this spring. Phase three, ren-ovation to our existing City Hall, will be finished by the summer of 2008. This project has required a great deal of time and effort onthe part of City staff, and, as a result, the annual report this year includes a special section on the City Hall renovation efforts.
One of the many things that makes this City great is the high level of citizen participation and input that we enjoy.In June 2006, theCity Council approved the appointments of more than 120 residents to serve voluntarily on 14 City boards and committees. The Cityreceived information from 50 first-time applicants. Thirty-three of those individuals were chosen to fill board and committee vacancies.Of that number, 20 are graduates of Leadership University Park. Looking ahead to 2007, we are very excited to extend this rich tradi-tion of citizen participation to our younger residents. By the end of the year, a Youth Advisory Committee will be created to adviseCity Council on issues of interest to our community's youth.
2006 was an active and exciting year. Council and City staff are dedicated to building on the City's continuing commitment to excel-lence in 2007. Sincerely,
James H. "Blackie" Holmes, IIIMayor
MESSAGEMESSAGE FROMFROM THETHE MAMAYORYOR
IINFORMANFORMATIONTIONSSERERVICESVICES
Building Inspection The Building Division experienced increased activity in 2006despite a slow down in the housing sector and a reduction ofhousing permits at the national and regional levels. New singlefamily permits soared 18%, from 126 units in 2005 to 149 unitsin 2006. Total construction values for new single family permitsincreased 64%, from $124 million to over $203 million. Permitsfor addition and remodel of single family homes also increased by12%, from 167 units in 2005 to 187 units in 2006.
In 2006, the Building Division welcomed Ms. Lorna Balser, anew Planning Assistant. Ms. Balser will be working closely withthe Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board ofAdjustment and also assisting with development review requests.
Engineering Division Responsible for overseeing theplanning, design, and constructionof all Public Works capitalimprovement projects, in 2006, thedivision managed capital projectsactivity totaling over $9 million.On an annual basis, the City awardscontracts for routine capital proj-ects such as in-place recycling ofasphalt pavement, curb and gutterconcrete repairs, and the mile-per-year water and sewer replacementIn addition to annual capital proj-ects, the Engineering Division oversees special large constructionprojects located within the public rights-of-way. City Hall reno-vation is an example of this type of project and has reached sev-eral milestones under the supervision of the EngineeringDivision. Engineering staff members have worked with variouscontractors to complete the box culvert and Turtle Creek retainingwalls south of University Boulevard to south of Vassar Drive.
The Engineering Division also assists in special projects through-out the city.In 2006, the division worked with the City of Dallason city limit boundary adjustment and traffic-related issues atLovers Lane and the Dallas North Tollway. In addition to provid-ing support to the Public Works Advisory Committee, theDivision also served as a technical resource for the Ad-HocUniversity Park/Highland Park Sewer Interceptor StudyCommittee.
The Information Services Department has had another excellentyear of progress in improving the efficiency of City governmentthrough the use of technology in three primary areas. First, theCity's network infrastructure has been enhanced with the instal-lation of a Storage Area Network (SAN) to increase disk capac-ity and allow dynamic space allocation as data storage needsincrease. To simplify and improve the network backup capabil-ity, an enterprise class robotic tape backup system has beenimplemented. To address increased functional demands, thePublic Safety mobile computers have been replaced with newPanasonic Toughbook laptops, and interactive mapping for dis-patch and crime data has been installed. Upgrades have alsobeen made to the Firewall, virus protection, Internet content fil-tering, and e-mail spam systems. Second, the City’s Web sitehome page has been redesigned to improve access to featuredinformation, online services, major projects, enhanced calen-dars, interactive map displays for parks and construction sites,and better Alarm Monitoring customer support. The third areaof concentration includes the technology plan for the new PeekDispatch Center and City Hall remodel. Staff has developed thewiring infrastructure for power, data, phone, audio-visualequipment, security cameras and access control of doors andalso selected hardware and supporting software systems.
Low turnover rateDuring fiscal year 2005-06, the City had an employee turnoverrate of 3%, with all but two of the seven terminations comingfrom service retirements. The national average for all compa-nies is 12%. Maintaining a low turnover rate saves costs relat-ed to separation, recruitment, and training. The low turnoverrate notwithstanding, the Human Resources Department filled50 positions during the fiscal year: 6 regular full time positionsand 44 seasonal positions.
3-1-1 systemThe 3-1-1 system was launched inDecember 2006. Residents cannow use the 24-hour-a-day numberfor non-emergency calls for serv-ice. The 3-1-1 system is expectedto improve customer service andresponse to service calls.
HH UMANUMAN RR ESOURCESESOURCES
2006200520042003Total completed work orders 12,42714,21713,71111,340Total number of permits issued3,0332,7952,7922,166Total permit fee revenue $2,480,812.00$2,152,228.00$2,131,608.00$1,347,228.00Waste hauled to landfill (tons)15,20916,21216,63416,023Recycled materials (tons)1,1631,1611,1401,097
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2006 I2006 I NN RR EVIEWEVIEW -the City Hall building renovation and addition itself ($13 mil-lion), the construction of the Turtle Creek box culvert ($3.5 mil-lion), installation of Goar Park improvements ($1.5 million), andconstruction of temporary police and dispatch facilities at the PeekCenter ($2 million). These combined projects total $20 millionand are funded without debt according to a carefully constructedmulti-year funding plan.
City Hall renovation timeline•July 2005 - City Council breaks ground for project, first phase of project; dredging of Turtle Creek channel and pond and construction of box culvert begins.•October 2006 - Construction starts on addition to City Hall.•Spring 2007 - Police Department and dispatch temporarily relocate to the City's Peek Service Center. •Summer 2007 - Remodel of existing City Hall begins.•Summer 2008 - Construction completed.
For more details on the project and to view the latest constructionphotos of the project, visit the City Web site at www.uptexas.org.Click on the gold "City Hall Renovation Project" tab on the bot-tom of the homepage.
Project overview Substantial progress was made on the City Hall renovation projectin 2006. The first phase of the project began in mid-2005 withconstruction of the box culvert in Turtle Creek. The box culvertprovides the foundation for the addition to the building and wascompleted in late 2006. Construction on the City Hall addition,comprising approximatley 20,000 square feet, began in October2006. The addition will provide the Fire Department with muchlarger equipment bays and living area as well as much neededtraining space.
This summer, once the addition is complete, renovation will beginon the existing City Hall building. That work will require movingthe police/fire dispatch center and all police personnel to the PeekService Center located at 4420 Worcola Ave. in Dallas. In con-junction with the City Hall renovation, an alternate Public Safetydispatch location has been constructed at the Peek Service Centerwhich, in the interim, will act as the City's main dispatch center.After the City Hall renovation is complete, dispatch and the policedepartment will move back to City Hall and the vacated facility atthe Peek Service Center will serve as an Emergency OperationsCenter and a back-up dispatch center. During this same time, aportable building, much like those commonly used for temporaryclassroom space, will be positioned just west of the existing firebay at City Hall. That building will provide the City space to con-duct Council meetings and Municipal Court procedures untilCity Hall is ready for full occupancy in summer 2008. When fin-ished, City Hall will retain its Colonial Williamsburg look andhouse personnel from the fire, police, court, finance, humanresources and information services departments, as well as theCity Manager and his staff. The project will also result in addedwork area for the police department and a technological "face-lift"for the Council Chamber,including the installation of new audioand video equipment to enhance community presentations.
While the building will certainly be a source of community pridefor decades to come, related enhancements in neighboring GoarPark will make the City Hall neighborhood even more pictur-esque. The renovated Park will feature a meandering brook nearthe Gazebo, more trees around the soccer fields, and observationdecks along Turtle Creek. A large fountain, south of the currentVassar Bridge, will captivate park-goers while also improving thewater quality of the creek.
Project fundingCity staff has closely monitored the City Hall renovation project'sbid awards and fine-tuned the project funding plan accordingly.The project is really comprised of four interrelated pieces
NNOVEMBEROVEMBER 20062006
MMARCHARCH 20062006
AUGUSTAUGUST 20062006
FFEBRUAREBRUARYY 20072007
City budgetExcellent fiscal health continues to be a hallmark of the City.TheFiscal Year 2007 budget totals $37.8 million, an increase of8.85%. Higher water and wastewater costs drove much of theincrease. The City added three new full-time positions: PoliceSchool Resource Officer, Police Sergeant, and PlanningAssistant. For the 12th consecutive year, the City property taxrate decreased, as displayed in the chart above right. The currentCity tax rate is 29 cents per $100 of taxable property value.
Awards and accomplishmentsThe City received two national financial awards this year. For thesixth year in a row,the National Purchasing Institute awardedUniversity Park the Achievement of Excellence inProcurement Award. Purchasing Agent ChristineGreen and Purchasing Assistant Sandy Perkins
(Continued on top of next page)
2006200520042003Fire Responses1,1931,2581,4311,099EMS Responses1,0591,0901,0561,260Inspections339520559601Actual Fires54575242
Park maintenanceAlong with the daily maintenance of landscape totaling over 60acres of park land, the Park Department has undertaken severalprojects to enhance the overall appearance of the park system andour community.
Park projectsMajor park improvements completed in 2006, include: installa-tion of park historical and information signage; construction ofthe Kerwin Memorial at Caruth Park, and completion of phase Iof the Park Entrance Sign Program. University Park alsoreceived recognition as a Tree City USACity by the NationalArbor Day Association. Only a short list of Texas cities enjoythis recognition for ongoing preservation practices. In addition tothis notable designation, the City Council unanimously passed acomprehensive tree ordinance that identifies protected treespecies and provides tree replacement guidelines for new homeconstruction. Upgrades to the Park Department section of theCity Web site, included interactive park maps and more detailedinformation about specific park amenities. Last fall, theDepartment oversaw construction of a basketball court inBurleson Park, and members of the Southern MethodistUniversity men's basketballteam helped officially open thecourt by hosting a free basket-ball clinic for children.Germany Park also receivedsubstantial upgrades this yearwith full reconstruction of thetrack and new landscaping.
FF IREIRE DDEPEPARARTMENTTMENTStrategic Plan Developed for the Fire DepartmentAFire Department Strategic Plan was developed focusing on theorganization's long term direction. In this process, realistic shortand long term goals and objectives were developed to better meettheneeds of the citizens of University Park and provide a clearunderstanding of the level of service to be provided to the citizens.Development of the Strategic Plan is the first step in achievingaccreditation from the Center of Public Safety Excellence, whichthe Department will pursue in 2008.
Emergency management activitiesAll City personnel, including the Mayor and City Council members,were trained in the National Incident Management System (NIMS)to comply with the Homeland Security Presidential Directive - 5.The NIMS program is an Incident Management System that pro-vides a common structure for managing the incident in the event ofamulti-jurisdictional or multi-agency emergency, especially withState and Federal agencies.
In 2005, the Fire Department accepted a $29,000 HomelandSecurity Grant to purchase and install radio equipment to ensureUniversity Park public safety departments had radio interoperabili-ty with local, State and Federal agencies during emergenciesinvolving multi-jurisdictional and/or multi-agencies. The equip-ment was received and installed in 2006.
In 2006, the Department accepted another Homeland SecurityGrant. The $6,585 award is designed to help develop a CommunityEmergency Response Team (CERT), comprised of 25 volunteerswho will undergo 20 hours of training by UPFD personnel. CERTvolunteers will be issued equipment to provide first aid and careduring widespread emergencies until professional first-responderscan arrive. CERT members will also help with non-emergencyprojects to improve community safety.
Emergency warning system upgrades The Department developed specifications to upgrade the City's AllHazard Emergency Warning System, increasing the size and type ofthe warning sirens to improve coverage to all parts of the City.Thecurrent system utilizes rotating sirens. The new sirens will be omni-directional, dispersing sound 360 degrees. As with the current sys-tem, voice messages can be delivered over the system. The newsystem will feature a one-touch control board to simplify its opera-tion. It is also self-diagnostic and reports system trouble on a con-tinuous basis.
FFIREIRE DDEPEPARARTMENTTMENT SSTTAATISTICSTISTICS
PPARKARK DDEPEPARARTMENTTMENT
Reorganization, new hires and trainingDue to retirements and realignment of personnel, the Chief ofPolice promoted two officers to the rank of sergeant. The realign-ment created a third division in the Police Department known asthe Support Services Division (communications and policerecords). Aspecialized traffic accident unit has been created withtwo officers who attended three separate training courses and spe-cialized equipment has been purchased for use in accident investi-gation and reconstruction. At the request of numerous merchantsand residents, a part-time parking enforcement official (civilian)has been hired to specifically work Snider Plaza during high-traf-fic times of the day. Finally, in December, Captain Robert Brown,a 24-year law enforcement veteran and 14-year veteran of theUniversity Park Police Department, was selected as the Chief ofPolice for the City of Duncanville, Texas.
Reaccreditation process In December 2006, the Department hosted three on-site assessorsfrom the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement(CALEA). The assessment team conducted an intense review of allareas of the Department's administration and operation to ensurecontinued compliance with over 400 standards of law enforcementprofessionalism established by the international accrediting body.Assessors were pleased with the results of the on-site visit and hadmany positive comments regarding the UPPD. The Departmentwas in compliance with all applicable standards. The assessmentteam will report its findings toCALEA's governing body at itsMarch 2007 meeting where theDepartment anticipates reaccred-itation. The Department was firstaccredited in March 2004.
Community servicesThe Police Department continued to provide the D.A.R.E. pro-gram at McCullouch Intermediate School and support a grassroots effort to create a School Resource Officer (SRO) positionfor the first time at Highland Park High School. UniversityPark Police Officer A.J. Sherrill, a five-year veteran of theDepartment was selected for the full-time position. As part ofhis duties, Officer Sherrill will attend on-campus school athlet-ic events and dances. The position will be funded annually in a72/28% split between the University Park and the Town ofHighland Park.
Traffic safetyOver 600 speeding citations were issued between October andDecember on Lovers Lane. The majority of the citations wereissued between Hillcrest and Boedeker in a concerted effort toreduce speed. The city will install permanent monitors onopposite sides of the street in the 3100 block of Lovers Lane.The radar-equipped signs will provide drivers with a read-out oftheir vehicle's current rate of speed.
In November,the speed limit on residential streets inside anarea bounded by Lovers Lane, Hillcrest, Southwestern andBoedeker dropped to 25 mph for a study. The City Councilapproved the six-month study to determine if motorists willreduce their speed in residential areas. The data will be present-ed to the City Council in May 2007 to determine if the speedlimits should be reduced in all residential areas.
200620052004Accident Calls for Service568582633Burglary Calls for Service 205360316Criminal Mischief Calls for Service235208235TOTALCALLS FOR SERVICE 16,88817,16917,447Direct Alarm Monitoring Subscribers1,8821,7401,540Revenue Generated from Direct Alarm Monitoring $535,524.00$465,847.00$428,173.00
PPOLICEOLICE DDEPEPARARTMENTTMENT SSTTAATISTICSTISTICS
manage the City's procurementoperations. For the seventh consec-utive year, the Government FinanceOfficers Association awarded theCity the Certificate of Achievementfor Excellence in FinancialReporting. Controller TomTvardzik and the City's accountingstaff prepare the "ComprehensiveAnnual Financial Report" (CAFR)that is the basis for the Award.
CAFR’s added to Web site Finance personnel added the twomost recent CAFR's to the City'sofferings on its Web site. The doc-uments were converted into elec-tronic PDF files for placement onthe site and are now available toanyone with Internet access.
Tax rate and base chart
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TaxBaseinBillions
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UUNIVERSITYNIVERSITY PPARKARK TTAXAX BBASEASE ANDAND RRAATESTES,FY,FY 2001-20072001-2007
PP OLICEOLICE DD EPEPARARTMENTTMENT
version 2 2006-2007 Annual Report 2/23/07 3:51 PM Page 2
PPARKARK DDEPEPARARTMENTTMENT
FF INANCEINANCEDDEPEPARARTMENTTMENT
CCITYITY HH ALLALLRRENOVENOVAATIONTION
2006 I2006 I NN RR EVIEWEVIEW -the City Hall building renovation and addition itself ($13 mil-lion), the construction of the Turtle Creek box culvert ($3.5 mil-lion), installation of Goar Park improvements ($1.5 million), andconstruction of temporary police and dispatch facilities at the PeekCenter ($2 million). These combined projects total $20 millionand are funded without debt according to a carefully constructedmulti-year funding plan.
City Hall renovation timeline•July 2005 - City Council breaks ground for project, first phase of project; dredging of Turtle Creek channel and pond and construction of box culvert begins.•October 2006 - Construction starts on addition to City Hall.•Spring 2007 - Police Department and dispatch temporarily relocate to the City's Peek Service Center. •Summer 2007 - Remodel of existing City Hall begins.•Summer 2008 - Construction completed.
For more details on the project and to view the latest constructionphotos of the project, visit the City Web site at www.uptexas.org.Click on the gold "City Hall Renovation Project" tab on the bot-tom of the homepage.
Project overview Substantial progress was made on the City Hall renovation projectin 2006. The first phase of the project began in mid-2005 withconstruction of the box culvert in Turtle Creek. The box culvertprovides the foundation for the addition to the building and wascompleted in late 2006. Construction on the City Hall addition,comprising approximatley 20,000 square feet, began in October2006. The addition will provide the Fire Department with muchlarger equipment bays and living area as well as much neededtraining space.
This summer, once the addition is complete, renovation will beginon the existing City Hall building. That work will require movingthe police/fire dispatch center and all police personnel to the PeekService Center located at 4420 Worcola Ave. in Dallas. In con-junction with the City Hall renovation, an alternate Public Safetydispatch location has been constructed at the Peek Service Centerwhich, in the interim, will act as the City's main dispatch center.After the City Hall renovation is complete, dispatch and the policedepartment will move back to City Hall and the vacated facility atthe Peek Service Center will serve as an Emergency OperationsCenter and a back-up dispatch center. During this same time, aportable building, much like those commonly used for temporaryclassroom space, will be positioned just west of the existing firebay at City Hall. That building will provide the City space to con-duct Council meetings and Municipal Court procedures untilCity Hall is ready for full occupancy in summer 2008. When fin-ished, City Hall will retain its Colonial Williamsburg look andhouse personnel from the fire, police, court, finance, humanresources and information services departments, as well as theCity Manager and his staff. The project will also result in addedwork area for the police department and a technological "face-lift"for the Council Chamber,including the installation of new audioand video equipment to enhance community presentations.
While the building will certainly be a source of community pridefor decades to come, related enhancements in neighboring GoarPark will make the City Hall neighborhood even more pictur-esque. The renovated Park will feature a meandering brook nearthe Gazebo, more trees around the soccer fields, and observationdecks along Turtle Creek. A large fountain, south of the currentVassar Bridge, will captivate park-goers while also improving thewater quality of the creek.
Project fundingCity staff has closely monitored the City Hall renovation project'sbid awards and fine-tuned the project funding plan accordingly.The project is really comprised of four interrelated pieces
NNOVEMBEROVEMBER 20062006
MMARCHARCH 20062006
AUGUSTAUGUST 20062006
FFEBRUAREBRUARYY 20072007
City budgetExcellent fiscal health continues to be a hallmark of the City.TheFiscal Year 2007 budget totals $37.8 million, an increase of8.85%. Higher water and wastewater costs drove much of theincrease. The City added three new full-time positions: PoliceSchool Resource Officer, Police Sergeant, and PlanningAssistant. For the 12th consecutive year, the City property taxrate decreased, as displayed in the chart above right. The currentCity tax rate is 29 cents per $100 of taxable property value.
Awards and accomplishmentsThe City received two national financial awards this year. For thesixth year in a row,the National Purchasing Institute awardedUniversity Park the Achievement of Excellence inProcurement Award. Purchasing Agent ChristineGreen and Purchasing Assistant Sandy Perkins
(Continued on top of next page)
2006200520042003Fire Responses1,1931,2581,4311,099EMS Responses1,0591,0901,0561,260Inspections339520559601Actual Fires54575242
Park maintenanceAlong with the daily maintenance of landscape totaling over 60acres of park land, the Park Department has undertaken severalprojects to enhance the overall appearance of the park system andour community.
Park projectsMajor park improvements completed in 2006, include: installa-tion of park historical and information signage; construction ofthe Kerwin Memorial at Caruth Park, and completion of phase Iof the Park Entrance Sign Program. University Park alsoreceived recognition as a Tree City USACity by the NationalArbor Day Association. Only a short list of Texas cities enjoythis recognition for ongoing preservation practices. In addition tothis notable designation, the City Council unanimously passed acomprehensive tree ordinance that identifies protected treespecies and provides tree replacement guidelines for new homeconstruction. Upgrades to the Park Department section of theCity Web site, included interactive park maps and more detailedinformation about specific park amenities. Last fall, theDepartment oversaw construction of a basketball court inBurleson Park, and members of the Southern MethodistUniversity men's basketballteam helped officially open thecourt by hosting a free basket-ball clinic for children.Germany Park also receivedsubstantial upgrades this yearwith full reconstruction of thetrack and new landscaping.
FF IREIRE DDEPEPARARTMENTTMENTStrategic Plan Developed for the Fire DepartmentAFire Department Strategic Plan was developed focusing on theorganization's long term direction. In this process, realistic shortand long term goals and objectives were developed to better meettheneeds of the citizens of University Park and provide a clearunderstanding of the level of service to be provided to the citizens.Development of the Strategic Plan is the first step in achievingaccreditation from the Center of Public Safety Excellence, whichthe Department will pursue in 2008.
Emergency management activitiesAll City personnel, including the Mayor and City Council members,were trained in the National Incident Management System (NIMS)to comply with the Homeland Security Presidential Directive - 5.The NIMS program is an Incident Management System that pro-vides a common structure for managing the incident in the event ofamulti-jurisdictional or multi-agency emergency, especially withState and Federal agencies.
In 2005, the Fire Department accepted a $29,000 HomelandSecurity Grant to purchase and install radio equipment to ensureUniversity Park public safety departments had radio interoperabili-ty with local, State and Federal agencies during emergenciesinvolving multi-jurisdictional and/or multi-agencies. The equip-ment was received and installed in 2006.
In 2006, the Department accepted another Homeland SecurityGrant. The $6,585 award is designed to help develop a CommunityEmergency Response Team (CERT), comprised of 25 volunteerswho will undergo 20 hours of training by UPFD personnel. CERTvolunteers will be issued equipment to provide first aid and careduring widespread emergencies until professional first-responderscan arrive. CERT members will also help with non-emergencyprojects to improve community safety.
Emergency warning system upgrades The Department developed specifications to upgrade the City's AllHazard Emergency Warning System, increasing the size and type ofthe warning sirens to improve coverage to all parts of the City.Thecurrent system utilizes rotating sirens. The new sirens will be omni-directional, dispersing sound 360 degrees. As with the current sys-tem, voice messages can be delivered over the system. The newsystem will feature a one-touch control board to simplify its opera-tion. It is also self-diagnostic and reports system trouble on a con-tinuous basis.
FFIREIRE DDEPEPARARTMENTTMENT SSTTAATISTICSTISTICS
PPARKARK DDEPEPARARTMENTTMENT
Reorganization, new hires and trainingDue to retirements and realignment of personnel, the Chief ofPolice promoted two officers to the rank of sergeant. The realign-ment created a third division in the Police Department known asthe Support Services Division (communications and policerecords). Aspecialized traffic accident unit has been created withtwo officers who attended three separate training courses and spe-cialized equipment has been purchased for use in accident investi-gation and reconstruction. At the request of numerous merchantsand residents, a part-time parking enforcement official (civilian)has been hired to specifically work Snider Plaza during high-traf-fic times of the day. Finally, in December, Captain Robert Brown,a 24-year law enforcement veteran and 14-year veteran of theUniversity Park Police Department, was selected as the Chief ofPolice for the City of Duncanville, Texas.
Reaccreditation process In December 2006, the Department hosted three on-site assessorsfrom the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement(CALEA). The assessment team conducted an intense review of allareas of the Department's administration and operation to ensurecontinued compliance with over 400 standards of law enforcementprofessionalism established by the international accrediting body.Assessors were pleased with the results of the on-site visit and hadmany positive comments regarding the UPPD. The Departmentwas in compliance with all applicable standards. The assessmentteam will report its findings toCALEA's governing body at itsMarch 2007 meeting where theDepartment anticipates reaccred-itation. The Department was firstaccredited in March 2004.
Community servicesThe Police Department continued to provide the D.A.R.E. pro-gram at McCullouch Intermediate School and support a grassroots effort to create a School Resource Officer (SRO) positionfor the first time at Highland Park High School. UniversityPark Police Officer A.J. Sherrill, a five-year veteran of theDepartment was selected for the full-time position. As part ofhis duties, Officer Sherrill will attend on-campus school athlet-ic events and dances. The position will be funded annually in a72/28% split between the University Park and the Town ofHighland Park.
Traffic safetyOver 600 speeding citations were issued between October andDecember on Lovers Lane. The majority of the citations wereissued between Hillcrest and Boedeker in a concerted effort toreduce speed. The city will install permanent monitors onopposite sides of the street in the 3100 block of Lovers Lane.The radar-equipped signs will provide drivers with a read-out oftheir vehicle's current rate of speed.
In November,the speed limit on residential streets inside anarea bounded by Lovers Lane, Hillcrest, Southwestern andBoedeker dropped to 25 mph for a study. The City Councilapproved the six-month study to determine if motorists willreduce their speed in residential areas. The data will be present-ed to the City Council in May 2007 to determine if the speedlimits should be reduced in all residential areas.
200620052004Accident Calls for Service568582633Burglary Calls for Service 205360316Criminal Mischief Calls for Service235208235TOTALCALLS FOR SERVICE 16,88817,16917,447Direct Alarm Monitoring Subscribers1,8821,7401,540Revenue Generated from Direct Alarm Monitoring $535,524.00$465,847.00$428,173.00
PPOLICEOLICE DDEPEPARARTMENTTMENT SSTTAATISTICSTISTICS
manage the City's procurementoperations. For the seventh consec-utive year, the Government FinanceOfficers Association awarded theCity the Certificate of Achievementfor Excellence in FinancialReporting. Controller TomTvardzik and the City's accountingstaff prepare the "ComprehensiveAnnual Financial Report" (CAFR)that is the basis for the Award.
CAFR’s added to Web site Finance personnel added the twomost recent CAFR's to the City'sofferings on its Web site. The doc-uments were converted into elec-tronic PDF files for placement onthe site and are now available toanyone with Internet access.
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PPARKARK DDEPEPARARTMENTTMENT
FF INANCEINANCEDDEPEPARARTMENTTMENT
CCITYITY HH ALLALLRRENOVENOVAATIONTION
2006 I2006 I NN RR EVIEWEVIEW -the City Hall building renovation and addition itself ($13 mil-lion), the construction of the Turtle Creek box culvert ($3.5 mil-lion), installation of Goar Park improvements ($1.5 million), andconstruction of temporary police and dispatch facilities at the PeekCenter ($2 million). These combined projects total $20 millionand are funded without debt according to a carefully constructedmulti-year funding plan.
City Hall renovation timeline•July 2005 - City Council breaks ground for project, first phase of project; dredging of Turtle Creek channel and pond and construction of box culvert begins.•October 2006 - Construction starts on addition to City Hall.•Spring 2007 - Police Department and dispatch temporarily relocate to the City's Peek Service Center. •Summer 2007 - Remodel of existing City Hall begins.•Summer 2008 - Construction completed.
For more details on the project and to view the latest constructionphotos of the project, visit the City Web site at www.uptexas.org.Click on the gold "City Hall Renovation Project" tab on the bot-tom of the homepage.
Project overview Substantial progress was made on the City Hall renovation projectin 2006. The first phase of the project began in mid-2005 withconstruction of the box culvert in Turtle Creek. The box culvertprovides the foundation for the addition to the building and wascompleted in late 2006. Construction on the City Hall addition,comprising approximatley 20,000 square feet, began in October2006. The addition will provide the Fire Department with muchlarger equipment bays and living area as well as much neededtraining space.
This summer, once the addition is complete, renovation will beginon the existing City Hall building. That work will require movingthe police/fire dispatch center and all police personnel to the PeekService Center located at 4420 Worcola Ave. in Dallas. In con-junction with the City Hall renovation, an alternate Public Safetydispatch location has been constructed at the Peek Service Centerwhich, in the interim, will act as the City's main dispatch center.After the City Hall renovation is complete, dispatch and the policedepartment will move back to City Hall and the vacated facility atthe Peek Service Center will serve as an Emergency OperationsCenter and a back-up dispatch center. During this same time, aportable building, much like those commonly used for temporaryclassroom space, will be positioned just west of the existing firebay at City Hall. That building will provide the City space to con-duct Council meetings and Municipal Court procedures untilCity Hall is ready for full occupancy in summer 2008. When fin-ished, City Hall will retain its Colonial Williamsburg look andhouse personnel from the fire, police, court, finance, humanresources and information services departments, as well as theCity Manager and his staff. The project will also result in addedwork area for the police department and a technological "face-lift"for the Council Chamber,including the installation of new audioand video equipment to enhance community presentations.
While the building will certainly be a source of community pridefor decades to come, related enhancements in neighboring GoarPark will make the City Hall neighborhood even more pictur-esque. The renovated Park will feature a meandering brook nearthe Gazebo, more trees around the soccer fields, and observationdecks along Turtle Creek. A large fountain, south of the currentVassar Bridge, will captivate park-goers while also improving thewater quality of the creek.
Project fundingCity staff has closely monitored the City Hall renovation project'sbid awards and fine-tuned the project funding plan accordingly.The project is really comprised of four interrelated pieces
NNOVEMBEROVEMBER 20062006
MMARCHARCH 20062006
AUGUSTAUGUST 20062006
FFEBRUAREBRUARYY 20072007
City budgetExcellent fiscal health continues to be a hallmark of the City.TheFiscal Year 2007 budget totals $37.8 million, an increase of8.85%. Higher water and wastewater costs drove much of theincrease. The City added three new full-time positions: PoliceSchool Resource Officer, Police Sergeant, and PlanningAssistant. For the 12th consecutive year, the City property taxrate decreased, as displayed in the chart above right. The currentCity tax rate is 29 cents per $100 of taxable property value.
Awards and accomplishmentsThe City received two national financial awards this year. For thesixth year in a row,the National Purchasing Institute awardedUniversity Park the Achievement of Excellence inProcurement Award. Purchasing Agent ChristineGreen and Purchasing Assistant Sandy Perkins
(Continued on top of next page)
2006200520042003Fire Responses1,1931,2581,4311,099EMS Responses1,0591,0901,0561,260Inspections339520559601Actual Fires54575242
Park maintenanceAlong with the daily maintenance of landscape totaling over 60acres of park land, the Park Department has undertaken severalprojects to enhance the overall appearance of the park system andour community.
Park projectsMajor park improvements completed in 2006, include: installa-tion of park historical and information signage; construction ofthe Kerwin Memorial at Caruth Park, and completion of phase Iof the Park Entrance Sign Program. University Park alsoreceived recognition as a Tree City USACity by the NationalArbor Day Association. Only a short list of Texas cities enjoythis recognition for ongoing preservation practices. In addition tothis notable designation, the City Council unanimously passed acomprehensive tree ordinance that identifies protected treespecies and provides tree replacement guidelines for new homeconstruction. Upgrades to the Park Department section of theCity Web site, included interactive park maps and more detailedinformation about specific park amenities. Last fall, theDepartment oversaw construction of a basketball court inBurleson Park, and members of the Southern MethodistUniversity men's basketballteam helped officially open thecourt by hosting a free basket-ball clinic for children.Germany Park also receivedsubstantial upgrades this yearwith full reconstruction of thetrack and new landscaping.
FF IREIRE DDEPEPARARTMENTTMENTStrategic Plan Developed for the Fire DepartmentAFire Department Strategic Plan was developed focusing on theorganization's long term direction. In this process, realistic shortand long term goals and objectives were developed to better meettheneeds of the citizens of University Park and provide a clearunderstanding of the level of service to be provided to the citizens.Development of the Strategic Plan is the first step in achievingaccreditation from the Center of Public Safety Excellence, whichthe Department will pursue in 2008.
Emergency management activitiesAll City personnel, including the Mayor and City Council members,were trained in the National Incident Management System (NIMS)to comply with the Homeland Security Presidential Directive - 5.The NIMS program is an Incident Management System that pro-vides a common structure for managing the incident in the event ofamulti-jurisdictional or multi-agency emergency, especially withState and Federal agencies.
In 2005, the Fire Department accepted a $29,000 HomelandSecurity Grant to purchase and install radio equipment to ensureUniversity Park public safety departments had radio interoperabili-ty with local, State and Federal agencies during emergenciesinvolving multi-jurisdictional and/or multi-agencies. The equip-ment was received and installed in 2006.
In 2006, the Department accepted another Homeland SecurityGrant. The $6,585 award is designed to help develop a CommunityEmergency Response Team (CERT), comprised of 25 volunteerswho will undergo 20 hours of training by UPFD personnel. CERTvolunteers will be issued equipment to provide first aid and careduring widespread emergencies until professional first-responderscan arrive. CERT members will also help with non-emergencyprojects to improve community safety.
Emergency warning system upgrades The Department developed specifications to upgrade the City's AllHazard Emergency Warning System, increasing the size and type ofthe warning sirens to improve coverage to all parts of the City.Thecurrent system utilizes rotating sirens. The new sirens will be omni-directional, dispersing sound 360 degrees. As with the current sys-tem, voice messages can be delivered over the system. The newsystem will feature a one-touch control board to simplify its opera-tion. It is also self-diagnostic and reports system trouble on a con-tinuous basis.
FFIREIRE DDEPEPARARTMENTTMENT SSTTAATISTICSTISTICS
PPARKARK DDEPEPARARTMENTTMENT
Reorganization, new hires and trainingDue to retirements and realignment of personnel, the Chief ofPolice promoted two officers to the rank of sergeant. The realign-ment created a third division in the Police Department known asthe Support Services Division (communications and policerecords). Aspecialized traffic accident unit has been created withtwo officers who attended three separate training courses and spe-cialized equipment has been purchased for use in accident investi-gation and reconstruction. At the request of numerous merchantsand residents, a part-time parking enforcement official (civilian)has been hired to specifically work Snider Plaza during high-traf-fic times of the day. Finally, in December, Captain Robert Brown,a 24-year law enforcement veteran and 14-year veteran of theUniversity Park Police Department, was selected as the Chief ofPolice for the City of Duncanville, Texas.
Reaccreditation process In December 2006, the Department hosted three on-site assessorsfrom the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement(CALEA). The assessment team conducted an intense review of allareas of the Department's administration and operation to ensurecontinued compliance with over 400 standards of law enforcementprofessionalism established by the international accrediting body.Assessors were pleased with the results of the on-site visit and hadmany positive comments regarding the UPPD. The Departmentwas in compliance with all applicable standards. The assessmentteam will report its findings toCALEA's governing body at itsMarch 2007 meeting where theDepartment anticipates reaccred-itation. The Department was firstaccredited in March 2004.
Community servicesThe Police Department continued to provide the D.A.R.E. pro-gram at McCullouch Intermediate School and support a grassroots effort to create a School Resource Officer (SRO) positionfor the first time at Highland Park High School. UniversityPark Police Officer A.J. Sherrill, a five-year veteran of theDepartment was selected for the full-time position. As part ofhis duties, Officer Sherrill will attend on-campus school athlet-ic events and dances. The position will be funded annually in a72/28% split between the University Park and the Town ofHighland Park.
Traffic safetyOver 600 speeding citations were issued between October andDecember on Lovers Lane. The majority of the citations wereissued between Hillcrest and Boedeker in a concerted effort toreduce speed. The city will install permanent monitors onopposite sides of the street in the 3100 block of Lovers Lane.The radar-equipped signs will provide drivers with a read-out oftheir vehicle's current rate of speed.
In November,the speed limit on residential streets inside anarea bounded by Lovers Lane, Hillcrest, Southwestern andBoedeker dropped to 25 mph for a study. The City Councilapproved the six-month study to determine if motorists willreduce their speed in residential areas. The data will be present-ed to the City Council in May 2007 to determine if the speedlimits should be reduced in all residential areas.
200620052004Accident Calls for Service568582633Burglary Calls for Service 205360316Criminal Mischief Calls for Service235208235TOTALCALLS FOR SERVICE 16,88817,16917,447Direct Alarm Monitoring Subscribers1,8821,7401,540Revenue Generated from Direct Alarm Monitoring $535,524.00$465,847.00$428,173.00
PPOLICEOLICE DDEPEPARARTMENTTMENT SSTTAATISTICSTISTICS
manage the City's procurementoperations. For the seventh consec-utive year, the Government FinanceOfficers Association awarded theCity the Certificate of Achievementfor Excellence in FinancialReporting. Controller TomTvardzik and the City's accountingstaff prepare the "ComprehensiveAnnual Financial Report" (CAFR)that is the basis for the Award.
CAFR’s added to Web site Finance personnel added the twomost recent CAFR's to the City'sofferings on its Web site. The doc-uments were converted into elec-tronic PDF files for placement onthe site and are now available toanyone with Internet access.
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PPLANSLANS FORFOR 20072007
PPARKARK DDEPEPARARTMENTTMENTIn 2007, the Park Department will again implement an aggressive park improvement program. The Department is completing a Master Plan designfor Coffee Park and developing construction drawings for both Barbara Hitzelberger Park (located at the intersection of Lovers and Hillcrest) andCity Hall/Goar Park landscape upgrades. The Department will also begin phase I of the city-wide secondary street entrance marker program. Othermajor projects will include the design and installation of the Northwest Parkway screening wall project and Sis Germany Park (located at Prestonand Greenbrier) landscape upgrades. Many exciting programming events include pool and park movies and the first annual Children's FishingDerby, to be held at Caruth Park in June 2007. The Park Department will also continue the expansion of the "Trees for Town" program to contin-ue the reforestation of our community.
FFINANCEINANCE DDEPEPARARTMENTTMENTThe Finance Department anticipates a successful year. Goals for 2007 include: orderly relocation to the Department's new office space in the CityHall addition; useful analysis of the Bush Presidential Library impact on the City; and enhancement of the City's investment portfolio management.
HHUMANUMAN RRESOURCESESOURCES DDEPEPARARTMENTTMENTAtop priority for the Human Resources Department in 2007 will be to market the 3-1-1 system aggressively with the help of the CommunityInformation Officer. As part of the marketing campaign, decals with the 3-1-1 logo will be placed on all non-public safety vehicles. The call vol-ume for the 3-1-1 system will be monitored closely to ensure there is adequate staffing, and the 3-1-1 database will be updated regularly.
PPOLICEOLICE DDEPEPARARTMENTTMENTGoals and objectives for 2007 reflect increased efforts to involve individual members of the business and residential communities in crime preven-tion and personal safety programs and activities. The Police Department intends to strengthen the partnership between the community and lawenforcement personnel to reduce crimes within University Park. Finally, the Department will increase traffic enforcement to reduce the potentialfor accident related injuries and deaths.
IINFORMANFORMATIONTION SSERERVICESVICESPlans for 2007 are primarily associated with the move to an alternate Public Safety dispatch location at the Peek Service Center and the remodel ofCity Hall. New or upgraded systems will be installed to support computer-aided dispatching, E911, police and fire radios, and direct alarm moni-toring. In addition, new security cameras and door access control device systems will be implemented, and multi-media equipment will be installedin six conference rooms and the Council Chamber.New network switches in support of a fiber optic backbone will also be installed, and the Citywill upgrade the Geographic Information System (GIS) software to enhance mapping support internally and through the Web site.
FFIREIRE DDEPEPARARTMENTTMENTThe Department has taken bids on the omni-directional warning sirens in 2006 and will install them in 2007. The installation will coincide withconstruction of the new dispatch centers during City Hall renovation. The Fire Department is near completion with its planning of the City'sCommunity Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. Training is scheduled to begin May 1, 2007, and last 10 weeks. Registration will beginin March. The Fire Department will also move into its new permanent location in the new addition of City Hall this summer, which will providemuch needed equipment, living, and training space.
PPUBLICUBLIC WWORKSORKSLooking ahead to 2007, the Engineering Division will be involved in numerous projects. Capital projects currently underway and scheduled forcompletion in 2007 include: underground utility work for the City Hall expansion; water and sanitary improvements at Hillcrest and NorthwestHighway; water and sanitary improvements in the 4200-4300 blocks of the Shenandoah/Stanhope alley; and water and sanitary sewer improve-ments for Turtle Creek Boulevard and Baltimore Drive. Other capital projects scheduled to begin in 2007 include: the Northwest Parkway screen-ing wall; reconstruction of University Park sidewalks around Highland Park Independent School District Campuses; asphalt repaving; curb andgutter replacements; water,sanitary sewer,and alley improvements (mile-per-year program).
One of the most high profile projects scheduled to begin in 2007 is the Germany Park Booster Pump Station. Built in the 1950's, the existing under-ground booster pump station, located south of Germany Park, is the sole source of water coming from the Dallas County Park Cities MunicipalUtility District. The existing booster pump station pumps nearly 6.5 million gallons per day into the city.In the summer of 2002, the booster pumpstation flooded, and the city lost all ability to pump water into the distribution system. To eliminate the possibility of flooding and to ensure relia-bility, the Engineering Division is currently working with an engineering firm to design an above ground facility located adjacent to the existingpump station.
The Engineering Division will also be working with traffic consultants on the 25 mph speed study and a traffic impact analysis for the area sur-rounding the proposed redevelopment of the Chase Bank. Also, Engineering will be working with consultants for storm water improvements atMcFarlin Boulevard and obtaining a regulatory permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for construction of a waterfeature along Turtle Creek in conjunction with the City Hall renovation project. VVISITISIT THETHE CCITYITY ONLINEONLINE AATT WWWWWW..UPTEXASUPTEXAS..ORGORG
PP UBLICUBLIC WWORKSORKSDDEPEPARARTMENTTMENT
PPUBLICUBLIC WORKSWORKS SSTTAATISTICSTISTICS
UNIVERSITYUNIVERSITYPPARKARKANNUALANNUALREPORREPORTT2006-20072006-2007
As Mayor, it is with great pride that I present the 2006-2007 Annual Report.
2006 was an especially busy and exciting year for the City. In January, the City Council reviewed a report on findingsfrom the October 2005 Citizen Survey. Throughout the year, Council and staff have used the feedback gathered from thesurvey to set priorities, and we recently used the findings during our Strategic Planning process.
Council and staff devoted significant time this year on survey-related issues such as traffic safety, community develop-ment items, park improvements, and strengthening our community outreach programs, including renovation of the City Web site.Regarding traffic safety, in November 2006, the City Council approved a 25 mph test study to determine whether motorists will, as aresult, drive more slowly in these posted areas. The results of this study will be presented in May 2007. Council also approved theinstallation of two red light cameras (at Preston/Lovers and Dickens/Lovers), and the Police Department stepped up traffic enforcementon Lovers Lane. Community development issues were also a focus this past year with the Snider Plaza Master Plan and Chase Bankdevelopment under review and consideration. Council also directed City staff to examine residential lot size and how larger lots influ-ence the look and feel of our neighborhoods.
Staff and some thoughtful and committed residents spent many hours working on the TXU Transmission Line Project. Last November,after nearly 11 months of work, the Resident TXU Transmission Line Steering Committee presented its final report to the City Councilregarding the reconstruction of the 138-kVline that runs through University Park from Boedeker to the Dallas Tollway. In line withthe panel's recommendations, the City appointed a ten member Public Utility Advisory Committee to act as the City's liaison with TXUElectric Delivery and all other utilities that operate in our community.The City parks also received substantial upgrades in 2006. Keyprojects in recent months included the installation of a basketball court in Burleson Park and the resurfacing of the Germany Park track.Finally, we are particularly excited about the December 2006 launch of the 3-1-1 Information Line. Callers who dial 3-1-1 will nowget immediate answers to questions regarding City-related services and local events.
One of the most anticipated projects in recent years, the City Hall Renovation Project is well under way.Groundbreaking for the proj-ect took place in July 2005, followed by the construction of a concrete box culvert next to City Hall over a portion of Turtle Creek.This was the first of three phases in this project. Phase two, the addition to City Hall will be completed this spring. Phase three, ren-ovation to our existing City Hall, will be finished by the summer of 2008. This project has required a great deal of time and effort onthe part of City staff, and, as a result, the annual report this year includes a special section on the City Hall renovation efforts.
One of the many things that makes this City great is the high level of citizen participation and input that we enjoy.In June 2006, theCity Council approved the appointments of more than 120 residents to serve voluntarily on 14 City boards and committees. The Cityreceived information from 50 first-time applicants. Thirty-three of those individuals were chosen to fill board and committee vacancies.Of that number, 20 are graduates of Leadership University Park. Looking ahead to 2007, we are very excited to extend this rich tradi-tion of citizen participation to our younger residents. By the end of the year, a Youth Advisory Committee will be created to adviseCity Council on issues of interest to our community's youth.
2006 was an active and exciting year. Council and City staff are dedicated to building on the City's continuing commitment to excel-lence in 2007. Sincerely,
James H. "Blackie" Holmes, IIIMayor
MESSAGEMESSAGE FROMFROM THETHE MAMAYORYOR
IINFORMANFORMATIONTIONSSERERVICESVICES
Building Inspection The Building Division experienced increased activity in 2006despite a slow down in the housing sector and a reduction ofhousing permits at the national and regional levels. New singlefamily permits soared 18%, from 126 units in 2005 to 149 unitsin 2006. Total construction values for new single family permitsincreased 64%, from $124 million to over $203 million. Permitsfor addition and remodel of single family homes also increased by12%, from 167 units in 2005 to 187 units in 2006.
In 2006, the Building Division welcomed Ms. Lorna Balser, anew Planning Assistant. Ms. Balser will be working closely withthe Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board ofAdjustment and also assisting with development review requests.
Engineering Division Responsible for overseeing theplanning, design, and constructionof all Public Works capitalimprovement projects, in 2006, thedivision managed capital projectsactivity totaling over $9 million.On an annual basis, the City awardscontracts for routine capital proj-ects such as in-place recycling ofasphalt pavement, curb and gutterconcrete repairs, and the mile-per-year water and sewer replacementIn addition to annual capital proj-ects, the Engineering Division oversees special large constructionprojects located within the public rights-of-way. City Hall reno-vation is an example of this type of project and has reached sev-eral milestones under the supervision of the EngineeringDivision. Engineering staff members have worked with variouscontractors to complete the box culvert and Turtle Creek retainingwalls south of University Boulevard to south of Vassar Drive.
The Engineering Division also assists in special projects through-out the city.In 2006, the division worked with the City of Dallason city limit boundary adjustment and traffic-related issues atLovers Lane and the Dallas North Tollway. In addition to provid-ing support to the Public Works Advisory Committee, theDivision also served as a technical resource for the Ad-HocUniversity Park/Highland Park Sewer Interceptor StudyCommittee.
The Information Services Department has had another excellentyear of progress in improving the efficiency of City governmentthrough the use of technology in three primary areas. First, theCity's network infrastructure has been enhanced with the instal-lation of a Storage Area Network (SAN) to increase disk capac-ity and allow dynamic space allocation as data storage needsincrease. To simplify and improve the network backup capabil-ity, an enterprise class robotic tape backup system has beenimplemented. To address increased functional demands, thePublic Safety mobile computers have been replaced with newPanasonic Toughbook laptops, and interactive mapping for dis-patch and crime data has been installed. Upgrades have alsobeen made to the Firewall, virus protection, Internet content fil-tering, and e-mail spam systems. Second, the City’s Web sitehome page has been redesigned to improve access to featuredinformation, online services, major projects, enhanced calen-dars, interactive map displays for parks and construction sites,and better Alarm Monitoring customer support. The third areaof concentration includes the technology plan for the new PeekDispatch Center and City Hall remodel. Staff has developed thewiring infrastructure for power, data, phone, audio-visualequipment, security cameras and access control of doors andalso selected hardware and supporting software systems.
Low turnover rateDuring fiscal year 2005-06, the City had an employee turnoverrate of 3%, with all but two of the seven terminations comingfrom service retirements. The national average for all compa-nies is 12%. Maintaining a low turnover rate saves costs relat-ed to separation, recruitment, and training. The low turnoverrate notwithstanding, the Human Resources Department filled50 positions during the fiscal year: 6 regular full time positionsand 44 seasonal positions.
3-1-1 systemThe 3-1-1 system was launched inDecember 2006. Residents cannow use the 24-hour-a-day numberfor non-emergency calls for serv-ice. The 3-1-1 system is expectedto improve customer service andresponse to service calls.
HH UMANUMAN RR ESOURCESESOURCES
2006200520042003Total completed work orders 12,42714,21713,71111,340Total number of permits issued3,0332,7952,7922,166Total permit fee revenue $2,480,812.00$2,152,228.00$2,131,608.00$1,347,228.00Waste hauled to landfill (tons)15,20916,21216,63416,023Recycled materials (tons)1,1631,1611,1401,097
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PPLANSLANS FORFOR 20072007
PPARKARK DDEPEPARARTMENTTMENTIn 2007, the Park Department will again implement an aggressive park improvement program. The Department is completing a Master Plan designfor Coffee Park and developing construction drawings for both Barbara Hitzelberger Park (located at the intersection of Lovers and Hillcrest) andCity Hall/Goar Park landscape upgrades. The Department will also begin phase I of the city-wide secondary street entrance marker program. Othermajor projects will include the design and installation of the Northwest Parkway screening wall project and Sis Germany Park (located at Prestonand Greenbrier) landscape upgrades. Many exciting programming events include pool and park movies and the first annual Children's FishingDerby, to be held at Caruth Park in June 2007. The Park Department will also continue the expansion of the "Trees for Town" program to contin-ue the reforestation of our community.
FFINANCEINANCE DDEPEPARARTMENTTMENTThe Finance Department anticipates a successful year. Goals for 2007 include: orderly relocation to the Department's new office space in the CityHall addition; useful analysis of the Bush Presidential Library impact on the City; and enhancement of the City's investment portfolio management.
HHUMANUMAN RRESOURCESESOURCES DDEPEPARARTMENTTMENTAtop priority for the Human Resources Department in 2007 will be to market the 3-1-1 system aggressively with the help of the CommunityInformation Officer. As part of the marketing campaign, decals with the 3-1-1 logo will be placed on all non-public safety vehicles. The call vol-ume for the 3-1-1 system will be monitored closely to ensure there is adequate staffing, and the 3-1-1 database will be updated regularly.
PPOLICEOLICE DDEPEPARARTMENTTMENTGoals and objectives for 2007 reflect increased efforts to involve individual members of the business and residential communities in crime preven-tion and personal safety programs and activities. The Police Department intends to strengthen the partnership between the community and lawenforcement personnel to reduce crimes within University Park. Finally, the Department will increase traffic enforcement to reduce the potentialfor accident related injuries and deaths.
IINFORMANFORMATIONTION SSERERVICESVICESPlans for 2007 are primarily associated with the move to an alternate Public Safety dispatch location at the Peek Service Center and the remodel ofCity Hall. New or upgraded systems will be installed to support computer-aided dispatching, E911, police and fire radios, and direct alarm moni-toring. In addition, new security cameras and door access control device systems will be implemented, and multi-media equipment will be installedin six conference rooms and the Council Chamber.New network switches in support of a fiber optic backbone will also be installed, and the Citywill upgrade the Geographic Information System (GIS) software to enhance mapping support internally and through the Web site.
FFIREIRE DDEPEPARARTMENTTMENTThe Department has taken bids on the omni-directional warning sirens in 2006 and will install them in 2007. The installation will coincide withconstruction of the new dispatch centers during City Hall renovation. The Fire Department is near completion with its planning of the City'sCommunity Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. Training is scheduled to begin May 1, 2007, and last 10 weeks. Registration will beginin March. The Fire Department will also move into its new permanent location in the new addition of City Hall this summer, which will providemuch needed equipment, living, and training space.
PPUBLICUBLIC WWORKSORKSLooking ahead to 2007, the Engineering Division will be involved in numerous projects. Capital projects currently underway and scheduled forcompletion in 2007 include: underground utility work for the City Hall expansion; water and sanitary improvements at Hillcrest and NorthwestHighway; water and sanitary improvements in the 4200-4300 blocks of the Shenandoah/Stanhope alley; and water and sanitary sewer improve-ments for Turtle Creek Boulevard and Baltimore Drive. Other capital projects scheduled to begin in 2007 include: the Northwest Parkway screen-ing wall; reconstruction of University Park sidewalks around Highland Park Independent School District Campuses; asphalt repaving; curb andgutter replacements; water,sanitary sewer,and alley improvements (mile-per-year program).
One of the most high profile projects scheduled to begin in 2007 is the Germany Park Booster Pump Station. Built in the 1950's, the existing under-ground booster pump station, located south of Germany Park, is the sole source of water coming from the Dallas County Park Cities MunicipalUtility District. The existing booster pump station pumps nearly 6.5 million gallons per day into the city.In the summer of 2002, the booster pumpstation flooded, and the city lost all ability to pump water into the distribution system. To eliminate the possibility of flooding and to ensure relia-bility, the Engineering Division is currently working with an engineering firm to design an above ground facility located adjacent to the existingpump station.
The Engineering Division will also be working with traffic consultants on the 25 mph speed study and a traffic impact analysis for the area sur-rounding the proposed redevelopment of the Chase Bank. Also, Engineering will be working with consultants for storm water improvements atMcFarlin Boulevard and obtaining a regulatory permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for construction of a waterfeature along Turtle Creek in conjunction with the City Hall renovation project. VVISITISIT THETHE CCITYITY ONLINEONLINE AATT WWWWWW..UPTEXASUPTEXAS..ORGORG
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PPUBLICUBLIC WORKSWORKS SSTTAATISTICSTISTICS
UNIVERSITYUNIVERSITYPPARKARKANNUALANNUALREPORREPORTT2006-20072006-2007
As Mayor, it is with great pride that I present the 2006-2007 Annual Report.
2006 was an especially busy and exciting year for the City. In January, the City Council reviewed a report on findingsfrom the October 2005 Citizen Survey. Throughout the year, Council and staff have used the feedback gathered from thesurvey to set priorities, and we recently used the findings during our Strategic Planning process.
Council and staff devoted significant time this year on survey-related issues such as traffic safety, community develop-ment items, park improvements, and strengthening our community outreach programs, including renovation of the City Web site.Regarding traffic safety, in November 2006, the City Council approved a 25 mph test study to determine whether motorists will, as aresult, drive more slowly in these posted areas. The results of this study will be presented in May 2007. Council also approved theinstallation of two red light cameras (at Preston/Lovers and Dickens/Lovers), and the Police Department stepped up traffic enforcementon Lovers Lane. Community development issues were also a focus this past year with the Snider Plaza Master Plan and Chase Bankdevelopment under review and consideration. Council also directed City staff to examine residential lot size and how larger lots influ-ence the look and feel of our neighborhoods.
Staff and some thoughtful and committed residents spent many hours working on the TXU Transmission Line Project. Last November,after nearly 11 months of work, the Resident TXU Transmission Line Steering Committee presented its final report to the City Councilregarding the reconstruction of the 138-kVline that runs through University Park from Boedeker to the Dallas Tollway. In line withthe panel's recommendations, the City appointed a ten member Public Utility Advisory Committee to act as the City's liaison with TXUElectric Delivery and all other utilities that operate in our community.The City parks also received substantial upgrades in 2006. Keyprojects in recent months included the installation of a basketball court in Burleson Park and the resurfacing of the Germany Park track.Finally, we are particularly excited about the December 2006 launch of the 3-1-1 Information Line. Callers who dial 3-1-1 will nowget immediate answers to questions regarding City-related services and local events.
One of the most anticipated projects in recent years, the City Hall Renovation Project is well under way.Groundbreaking for the proj-ect took place in July 2005, followed by the construction of a concrete box culvert next to City Hall over a portion of Turtle Creek.This was the first of three phases in this project. Phase two, the addition to City Hall will be completed this spring. Phase three, ren-ovation to our existing City Hall, will be finished by the summer of 2008. This project has required a great deal of time and effort onthe part of City staff, and, as a result, the annual report this year includes a special section on the City Hall renovation efforts.
One of the many things that makes this City great is the high level of citizen participation and input that we enjoy.In June 2006, theCity Council approved the appointments of more than 120 residents to serve voluntarily on 14 City boards and committees. The Cityreceived information from 50 first-time applicants. Thirty-three of those individuals were chosen to fill board and committee vacancies.Of that number, 20 are graduates of Leadership University Park. Looking ahead to 2007, we are very excited to extend this rich tradi-tion of citizen participation to our younger residents. By the end of the year, a Youth Advisory Committee will be created to adviseCity Council on issues of interest to our community's youth.
2006 was an active and exciting year. Council and City staff are dedicated to building on the City's continuing commitment to excel-lence in 2007. Sincerely,
James H. "Blackie" Holmes, IIIMayor
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Building Inspection The Building Division experienced increased activity in 2006despite a slow down in the housing sector and a reduction ofhousing permits at the national and regional levels. New singlefamily permits soared 18%, from 126 units in 2005 to 149 unitsin 2006. Total construction values for new single family permitsincreased 64%, from $124 million to over $203 million. Permitsfor addition and remodel of single family homes also increased by12%, from 167 units in 2005 to 187 units in 2006.
In 2006, the Building Division welcomed Ms. Lorna Balser, anew Planning Assistant. Ms. Balser will be working closely withthe Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board ofAdjustment and also assisting with development review requests.
Engineering Division Responsible for overseeing theplanning, design, and constructionof all Public Works capitalimprovement projects, in 2006, thedivision managed capital projectsactivity totaling over $9 million.On an annual basis, the City awardscontracts for routine capital proj-ects such as in-place recycling ofasphalt pavement, curb and gutterconcrete repairs, and the mile-per-year water and sewer replacementIn addition to annual capital proj-ects, the Engineering Division oversees special large constructionprojects located within the public rights-of-way. City Hall reno-vation is an example of this type of project and has reached sev-eral milestones under the supervision of the EngineeringDivision. Engineering staff members have worked with variouscontractors to complete the box culvert and Turtle Creek retainingwalls south of University Boulevard to south of Vassar Drive.
The Engineering Division also assists in special projects through-out the city.In 2006, the division worked with the City of Dallason city limit boundary adjustment and traffic-related issues atLovers Lane and the Dallas North Tollway. In addition to provid-ing support to the Public Works Advisory Committee, theDivision also served as a technical resource for the Ad-HocUniversity Park/Highland Park Sewer Interceptor StudyCommittee.
The Information Services Department has had another excellentyear of progress in improving the efficiency of City governmentthrough the use of technology in three primary areas. First, theCity's network infrastructure has been enhanced with the instal-lation of a Storage Area Network (SAN) to increase disk capac-ity and allow dynamic space allocation as data storage needsincrease. To simplify and improve the network backup capabil-ity, an enterprise class robotic tape backup system has beenimplemented. To address increased functional demands, thePublic Safety mobile computers have been replaced with newPanasonic Toughbook laptops, and interactive mapping for dis-patch and crime data has been installed. Upgrades have alsobeen made to the Firewall, virus protection, Internet content fil-tering, and e-mail spam systems. Second, the City’s Web sitehome page has been redesigned to improve access to featuredinformation, online services, major projects, enhanced calen-dars, interactive map displays for parks and construction sites,and better Alarm Monitoring customer support. The third areaof concentration includes the technology plan for the new PeekDispatch Center and City Hall remodel. Staff has developed thewiring infrastructure for power, data, phone, audio-visualequipment, security cameras and access control of doors andalso selected hardware and supporting software systems.
Low turnover rateDuring fiscal year 2005-06, the City had an employee turnoverrate of 3%, with all but two of the seven terminations comingfrom service retirements. The national average for all compa-nies is 12%. Maintaining a low turnover rate saves costs relat-ed to separation, recruitment, and training. The low turnoverrate notwithstanding, the Human Resources Department filled50 positions during the fiscal year: 6 regular full time positionsand 44 seasonal positions.
3-1-1 systemThe 3-1-1 system was launched inDecember 2006. Residents cannow use the 24-hour-a-day numberfor non-emergency calls for serv-ice. The 3-1-1 system is expectedto improve customer service andresponse to service calls.
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2006200520042003Total completed work orders 12,42714,21713,71111,340Total number of permits issued3,0332,7952,7922,166Total permit fee revenue $2,480,812.00$2,152,228.00$2,131,608.00$1,347,228.00Waste hauled to landfill (tons)15,20916,21216,63416,023Recycled materials (tons)1,1631,1611,1401,097
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